尼康D600摄影指南（全彩）
由""直接销售和发货 并提供售后服务
查看是否享有优惠（30天免息、任性分期）
使用享优惠（30天免息、任性分期），立即
请选择您需要的分期方式
商家满意度
与同行业相比
商品评分：分
服务态度：分
物流速度：分
1分钱畅读全场，海量书籍不限量任你看
猛犸视觉 编著著|
猛犸视觉编
出版社：电子工业出版社
出版时间：
印刷时间：
字数：332800
开本：16开
装帧：平装
本商家商品保证正品行货，严格按照国家三包政策提供售后服务，因质量问题产生的退换货服务运费由本店承担。
亲爱的顾客，为保障您的权益，请您对配送商品查验确认合格后签收，如有问题，请及时与商家联系。如需退货，请将包装一并寄回哦。
本站商品信息均来自于苏宁云台商家，其真实性、准确性和合法性由信息发布者（商家）负责。本站不提供任何保证，并不承担任何法律责任。因厂家会在没有任何提前通知的情况下更改产品包装、产地或者一些附件，本站不能确保客户收到的货物与网站图片、产地、附件说明完全一致，网站商品的功能参数仅供参考，请以实物为准。若本站没有及时更新，请您谅解！
易购价：易购价为商品的销售价，是您最终决定是否购买商品的依据。
参考价：商品展示的参考价（或划横线价），可能是品牌专柜标价、商品吊牌价或由品牌供应商提供的正品零售价（如厂商指导价、建议零售价等）或该商品在苏宁易购平台或销售商门店曾经展示过的挂牌价；由于地区、时间的差异性和市场行情波动，品牌专柜标价、商品吊牌价、销售商门店挂牌价等可能会与您购物时展示的不一致，该价格仅供您参考。
折扣：如无特殊说明，折扣指销售商在参考价或划横线价（如品牌专柜标价、商品吊牌价、厂商指导价、厂商建议零售价、销售商门店挂牌价）等某一价格基础上计算出的优惠比例或优惠金额；如有疑问，您可在购买前联系销售商进行咨询。
异常问题：商品促销信息以商品详情页“促销”信息为准；商品的具体售价以订单结算页价格为准；如您发现活动商品售价或促销信息有异常，建议购买前先联系销售商咨询。
如果您发现了更低价格，请告诉我们。我们将认真对待您的每一份建议，确保提供最优质的服务及最优惠的价格。
易购价：& 21.9
请选择您所发现的位置：
* 商品网址：
线下实体店
* 实体店名称：
提交成功，感谢您的反馈
该商品在当前城市正在进行
抢购价：& 38.00
易购价：& 38.00
注：参加抢购将不再享受其他优惠活动
亲，很抱歉，您购买的宝贝销售异常火爆，让小苏措手不及，请稍后再试~
看不清楚？
亲，大宗购物请点击小苏的服务会更贴心！
亲，很抱歉，您购买的宝贝销售异常火爆让小苏措手不及，请稍后再试~
您已成功将商品加入收藏夹Method of using a porous Fe3 O4 drilling mud additive
United States Patent 4008775
An iron oxide having the ideal composition Fe3 O4 has a unique high porosity, substantially spherical particle structure. Used in oil and gas well drilling muds, it scavenges hydrogen sulfide. It also improves the rheological properties of the mud, maintains its stability under high temperatures, and functions as a mud weighting material. Upon completion of drilling, the drilling mud containing the porous Fe3 O4 additive may be left in place between the inner casing and the formation wall or the outer casing as a packer fluid.
Inventors:
Fox, Irwin (Ballwin, MO)
Application Number:
Publication Date:
02/22/1977
Filing Date:
03/12/1976
Export Citation:
Ironite Products Company (Madison, IL)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
International Classes:
C10M101/00; C01G49/08; C01G49/12; C09K8/02; C09K8/04; C09K8/54; E21B21/00; E21B41/02; (IPC1-7): C09K7/04
Field of Search:
175/64, 175/65, 175/66, 166/244C, 166/279, 166/310, 252/8.5R, 252/8.5A, 252/8.5B, 252/8.55E, 252/387, 423/244
View Patent Images:
&&&&&&PDF help
US Patent References:
3713499Arscott et al.175/663618667Snavely166/3103576221Hasiba175/663307625Johnson et al.175/663301323Parsons175/642941783Stinson175/662298984Stinson252/8.5B2276075Wuensch175/662003701Stinson252/8.5B1771136Murphy423/244
Primary Examiner:
Novosad, Stephen J.
Assistant Examiner:
Suchfield, George A.
Parent Case Data:
REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATIONThis is a continuation-in-part of
Application Serial No. 374,555 filed June 28, 1973, now
abandoned.
1. A method of scavenging hydrogen sulfide from drilling mud, which comprises the following steps:
a. adding to drilling mud porous iron oxide particles having an ideal composition of substantially Fe3 O4 and having a surface area at least 10 times as great as magnetite particles of equal size, the greater part of which particles are no longer than 60 microns, in a quantity sufficient to react such hydrogen sulfide as may be encountered,
b. circulating the drilling mud down the interior of the drill pipe, through the drill bit and up the annular space between the drill pipe and the formation wall to the surface,
c. entraining in the circulating drilling mud such hydrogen sulfide as may be encountered, and
d. reacting the entrained hydrogen sulfide with the said porous iron oxide particles under the pressure there present to form a stable pyrite FeS2.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein at least 95% of said particles are no larger than 60 microns.
3. The method of claim 1, together with the additional steps of
screening the circulated mud containing the FeS2 so formed and thereby removing agglomerated particles thereof,
re-circulating the mud, and
adding to the mud so re-circulated additional said iron oxide to replace the amount so reacted.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONHydrogen sulfide is frequently encountered in drilling oil and gas wells. It is corrosive to the drill pipe and casing. When a drill pipe breaks due to hydrogen sulfide embrittlement, the drilling operation must be interrupted and the drill pipe string repaired. It is also a pollutant to the environment and a risk to the health and lives of the drilling personnel. Low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide produce irritation of conjunctiva and mucous membranes, headackes, dizziness, nausea, and lassitude. Exposure to high concentrations can result in death. Magnetite has been used as a weighting material in drilling muds, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,276,075; but without effectively scavenging hydrogen sulfide or substantial improvement in mud rheology. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an important object of the present invention to provide a type of Fe3 O4 having a large surface area which is useful in drilling muds as an effective scavenger for hydrogen sulfide, thereby reducing corrosion or embrittlement of the drill pipe and casings and avoiding the health hazard mentioned. Other objects are to provide a porous Fe3 O4 which in drilling muds improves the rheological properties and thermal stability thereof, while also serving
and to provide a porous Fe3 O4 whose concentration in drilling muds is easily monitored by magnetic techniques. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a new additive iron oxide having the ideal phase composition of substantially Fe3 O4 whose particles have a sponge-like porosity with a surface area many times as great as that of magnetite. Used in oil well drilling mud, it is exceptionally effective in scavenging hydrogen sulfide. It also improves the rheological properties and thermal stability of the mud, and has further utility as set forth hereinafter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The porous iron oxide of this invention is prepared by oxidizing iron containing carbon under controlled oxidative conditions. For example, iron borings containing about 3.5 percent carbon and somewhat less silicon and other minerals may be ground to a powder to pass through a 10-mesh screen. So powdered, it is subjected to oxidation at relatively low temperatures of about 400° F. to 450° F., under conditions so conventionally controlled as to form an oxide having an ideal composition Fe3 O4 without proceeding to Fe2 O3. The initial presence of such carbon, silicon and accompanying elements in the iron provides such a structure that the resultant Fe3 O4 particles will have the exceptional spongy porosity hereafter described. To be useful for the purposes of this invention, the oxide must be further processed, assuming that the oxidation process has left it agglomerated, the oxidized mass is first de-agglomerated by crushing, without grinding into fine particles. Sufficient water and base, usually sodium hydroxide, is added so that the mixture consists of about 50 to about 90 percent by weight water, but preferably 70 percent, and has a pH essentially 7.0. If the initial pH of the mixture is less than 5.5, it is preferred that ammonia be used as the base. The neutralized water-oxide mixture is mechanically agitated to produce a slurry, and is passed through a 140 mesh screen, removing larger unreacted iron particles. Excess water is then removed from the slurry. The recovered material, which contains about 50 percent by weight water, is dried at about 400° F. until the iron oxide contains about 10 to 20 percent by weight of water. Higher drying temperatures should be avoided since the Fe3 O4 may further oxidize. It is preferred that the dried material contain no less than about 10 percent by weight of water inasmuch as the product is otherwise dusty and difficult to redisperse in water. If the drying process utilized should result in caking, any gentle de-agglomeration step will restore the material to its screened particle size. Examination of the dried Fe3 O4 with a scanning electron microscope shows the product to comprise porous, spronge-like, somewhat spherical particles. Examination with a Coulter counter showed that 98 percent of the particles of a typical batch have an average diameter within the range of about 1.5 to about 60 microns. This is considered a desirable size range for subsequent
and to have 95 percent of the particles within this size range (or other desired size range) is commercially satisfactory. While 60 microns corresponds theoretically to a 240 mesh screen, a screen not larger than 100 mesh and preferably about 140 mesh will satisfactorily remove most larger particles including those of unreacted iron. Analysis of the particles by emission spectroscopy showed that they were iron oxide having an ideal composition of substantially Fe304. The porous iron oxide was further characterized by a hardness of about 6 and a density of about 4.55 gm/cm3. The material was ferrimagnetic at room temperature, having a curie point at 575° C., a saturation magnetism of 480 cgs/cm3, and a remanent magnetism approximately 5 percent of saturation. The iron powder from which the Fe3 O4 is derived usually contains trace amounts of minerals other than iron. On analysis by emission spectroscopy these materials in a typical batch are as follows, percentages being expressed as percent by weight of the sample: 0.04 percent aluminum, 0.003 percent barium, 0.08 percent calcium, 0.2 percent chromium, 0.1 percent copper, 0.1 percent magnesium, 0.7 percent manganese, 0.1 percent molybdenum, 0.1 percent nickel, 2.0 percent silicon dioxide, 0.2 percent sodium, 0.07 percent titanium, and 0.02 percent vanadium. The dried, porous Fe3 O4 is ideally suited for use in drilling muds, ordinarily in combination with clay and other conventional additives such as weighting agents, caustic for pH adjustment, calcium compounds for conditioning in calcium formations and for pH control, hydrocarbons for fluid loss control and lubrication, sealants, thinners such as lignosulfonates and tannins for dispersion of mud solids, and bactericides. In the drilling mud the porous iron oxide is an effective scavenger for hydrogen sulfide. The reaction product is mainly FeS2 with smaller amounts, if any, of Fe3 S4. This reaction is pH dependent to the extent that H2 S preferentially reacts with caustic, e.g. NaOH or other alkaline materials, in the known manner. Since the reaction of H2 S with the porous iron oxide of the present invention is nonionic, the initial reaction of the H2 S is with the caustic until it is substantially exhausted and the pH lowered below about 10.5. The FeS2 and the lesser amount of Fe3 S4, if any, unlike other forms of iron sulfides, are extremely stable and will not give up sulphur regardless of the subsequent pH of the mud, nor will they regenerate hydrogen sulfide. The FeS2 is similar to a natural pyrite. Its particles appear to agglomerate, so as to be removed along the drill cuttings when the mud is screened before re-circulation. The exceptional reaction characteristics, in conjunction with the favorable rheological properties hereafter described, result in the capability of treating far greater concentrations of H2 S than is now possible using other agents. For the purpose of scavenging hydrogen sulfide, about 2 to 20 pounds of porous Fe3 O4 are added per barrel of mud, depending on the hydrogen sulfide present, and sufficient other additives are included to provide a mud in the above weight range. The above range is not critical and more or less oxide may be used as desired. In addition to functioning as a hydrogen sulfide scavenger, the porous Fe3 O4 may also be used for other purposes, principally improving the rheological properties and thermal stability of the mud and serving as a weighting agent therein. In order to appreciate these additional functions it is important to understand the function of a drilling mud in serving as a lubricant. The mud is circulated down the interior of the drill pipe, through the drill bit and up the annular space between the drill pipe and the formation wall or casing to the surface. It thus removes the heat produced by the cutting action of the bit as well as the cuttings themselves, carrying them from the drill bit and up the annulus to the surface, where they are separated. In the annulus, the mud reduces the drag of the rotating drill pipe and provides sufficient hydrostatic pressure to contain any liquid or gaseous component within the formation being penetrated. The substantially spherical shape of the present iron oxide particles eases the flow of the mud. Finally, the mud should be thermally stable and therefore capable of withstanding bottom-hole pressures and temperatures. The present oxide particles do not deteriorate under the extreme pressures and temperatures so encountered. Materials are frequently added to the mud to decrease its viscosity, thus improving its lubricating qualities. Lignosulfonates and tannins, the conventional additives for this purpose, tend to break down in use at commonly encountered bottom- the mud viscosity then increases, and more additive must be added to overcome the increased viscosity. Using the present porous Fe3 O4 any stiffening of the mud in use may be usually overcome merely by the addition of water. The porous Fe3 O4 of this invention is useful
and, unlike other iron oxides, its substantially spherical shape is rheologically advantageous. No other prior art iron oxides (or other conventional weighting agents such as barite) are useful for improving the lubricating qualities of the mud. Instead, barite tends to grind down into fines during use, thus changing the flow characteristics of the mud, and magnetite is abrasive to the bit, drill pipe and casing. When the porous iron oxide of this invention is added as a weighting agent, as much as 500 pounds of oxide per barrel of mud may be used, to provide about an 18 pound mud. When the drilling mud contains between about 2 and about 20 pounds of porous Fe3 O4 per barrel of mud, the drilling mud may be left in place as a packer fluid with little or no additional chemical treatment when the drilling is completed. This effects considerable savings in materials and labor. In a packer fluid the suspended particles should not pack down, and the porous iron oxide described herein is a very effective suspending agent. Further, since hydrogen sulfide present has been reacted to form a stable pyrite-like substance, it offers no danger of gradually corroding the well casing.
EXAMPLE 1 In this example the surface area of the porous Fe3 O4 of this invention was determined by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller equation for determining surface areas by the surface adsorption of nitrogen. This classical method is described in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, 60, 309-319 (1938). These results are compared with those for a similar determination of surface area for magnetite having a particle size similar to that of the porous oxide. Briefly described, a sample comprising 11.2094 g. of porous Fe3 O4 was placed in an adsorption bulb for the determination of surface area with a 4-4680 Aminco Adsorptomat. The sample was preconditioned for 4 hrs. at 93° C. and 5 × 10-6 torr. The "dead space factor" (Df) was determined by the introduction of helium into the sample section and found to be 0.5931 cc. STP/cm. Hg. After the helium was evacuated, nitrogen was introduced in dose sized (Da) of 2.034 cc. STP and an equilibrium time of 5 min. was allowed after each dose. The saturated vapor pressure (Po) was found to be 76.1 cm. Hg; hence, the factor (Po Df) was calculated as 45.135. From the following data in Table I, ##EQU1## versus P/Po was plotted as shown in FIG. 1 in the drawing. The surface area of the Fe3 O4, as reported in the table, was then determined from the drawing.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
NdP/PoNd Da##STR1##Df Va##STR2####STR3####STR4####STR5####STR6##
__________________________________________________________________________
0.04624.4082.07622.3320.95421.3050.002213
0.06126.4422.75323.6890.93922.2440.002714
0.07928.4763.56624.9100.92122.9420.003415
0.10030.5104.51425.9960.90023.3960.004317
0.14234.5786.40928.1690.85824.1690.
0.18738.6468.44030.2060.81324.5570.007621
0.23242.71410.47132.2430.76824.7630.009423
0.27946.78212.59334.1890.72124.6500.011324
0.30248.81613.63135.1850.69824.5590.0123
__________________________________________________________________________
Following the procedure used for the determination of the surface area of
the porous Fe3 O4 of this invention, 16.0525 g. of magnetite, a
mineral form of Fe3 O4, was preconditioned for 4 hrs. at
93° C. and 5 × 10-6 torr. The Df was found to be
0.5462 cc. STP/sm. Hg, the Da was 2.034 cc. STP, the Po was
76.0 cm. Hg, and the Po Df was calculated as 41.511. From the
data in Table II, the BDT equation was plotted as shown in FIG. 2 in the
drawing, and the surface area, which is also reported in the table, was
determined:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
NdP/PoNd Da##STR8##Df Va##STR9####STR10####STR11####STR12####STR13##
__________________________________________________________________________
0.0554.0682.2831.7850.9451.6870.0333
0.0986.1024.0682.0340.9021.8350.0534
0.1428.1365.8952.2410.8581.9230.0745
0.18410.1707.6382.5320.8162.0660.0896
0.22912.2049.5062.6980.7712.0800.110
0.27314.23811.3332.9060.7272.1120.1298
0.31916.27213.2423.0300.6812.0630.155
__________________________________________________________________________
By comparing the results of Table I with those of Table II, it is seen
that the porous Fe3 O4 particles of this invention have a
surface area at least sixteen times as great as magnetite. With other
batches of material, the porous Fe3 O4 particles may have a
surface area from about 10 to 25 times as great as magnetite, as
determined by the BET method, but preferably are within the range of from
In this example, varying amounts of porous iron oxide were added to a number of drilling muds and the effect on viscosity was measured. The muds tested in this example were non-N that is to say, viscosity varied with shear rate. The water-based mud before the addition of the porous iron oxide of this invention consisted of 10 pounds per barrel (ppb) of bentonite and 0.5 pound per barrel of caustic. The mud was stirred for 30 minutes and amounts of porous iron oxide, up to 100 pounds per barrel, were added as reported in the table which follows. The mud viscosity was determined with a rotational viscometer at rotor speeds of 600 and 300 rpm. Using the dial readings d600 and d300, a number of parameters were determined as follows:
apparent viscosity (AV) = 1/2 d600
plastic viscosity (PV) = d600 - d300
Yield point (YP) = d300 - plastic viscosity The plastic viscosity reflects the inherent interparticle friction and its magnitude is a function of particle size and concentration. The yield point reflects the attraction of the solid particles to one another. As shown in Table III below, adding the Fe3 O4 of this invention greatly changes the rheological properties of the mud. Where added in quantities up to 50 pounds per barrel, both the apparent viscosity and the plastic viscosity are much improved. The outstanding improvement in yield point persists even where much greater quantities are added.
__________________________________________________________________________
Porous iron oxide (ppb)
__________________________________________________________________________
EXAMPLE 3 The principal purpose of this example is to demonstrate that the porous Fe3 O4 is less abrasive than barite. To do this, in Test 12 the wear of a 14.0 pound per gallon slurry of barite on the metal blades of a Waring blender after stirring for 10 minutes, measured in grams lost by abrasion, was compared with that of Test 13 wherein the slurry comprised a 14.0 pound per gallon slurry of porous Fe3 O4. The results are reported in Table LV below:
______________________________________
Blade Wear
______________________________________
The reduced abrasiveness of the porous Fe3 O4 as compared to barite is unexpected inasmuch as the porous Fe3 O4 has a hardness of 6.0 on the Mohs'
scale while barite has a hardness of 3.3. While applicant does not wish to be bound by any theory, it is believed that this difference is the result of: (a) the spherical nature of the Fe3 O4 particles, which contrasts with the sharp particle edg and (b) the high porosity which allows particle deformation. Furthermore, even though the present porous particles deform, they do not appear to grind down into fines like barite. EXAMPLE 4 In this example it is demonstrated that the porous Fe3 O4 described herein reduces the shear strength and gel strength of drilling muds. Shear strength and gel strength are measures of the thixotropic character of the mud. They indicate the ease or difficulty with which a column of mud at rest can be brought into motion. Reduction in shear and gel strength after aging is important, for example, when the circulation of the mud in the well is interrupted as when a drilling rig is down during repair. If the mud "sets up" it is difficult to resume its circulation. Avoidance of mud "set up" is important also when the drilling mud is us otherwise removing the inner tubing for repair is very difficult. Gel strength (gels) in pounds per 100 sq. ft. was measured by reading the dial of a rotational viscometer at 3 rpm. This was done at 0 and 10 minutes following vigorous stirring at 600 rpm. and is reported in pounds per 100 square feet. Shear strength was also determined in a conventional manner and is also reported in pounds per 100 square feet. In treating the mud with the present porous iron oxide, it was added at the rate of 9 pounds per barrel. Aging was at 350° F. for 65 hrs. According to the following table, the addition of the porous iron oxide greatly lessened the shear strength after aging (from 600 psi to 250 psi). Similarly gel strength developed after 10 minutes was markedly reduced.
__________________________________________________________________________
POROUS IRON OXIDE
UNTREATED MUD
TREATED MUD
__________________________________________________________________________
BEFOREAFTER BEFOREAFTERAGING65 HRS.AGING 65 HRS.
__________________________________________________________________________
Weight (ppg)
40Gels - immediately on stirring15
35after ten minutes57
75Shear Strength (psi)--
__________________________________________________________________________
EXAMPLE 5 One of the purposes of this example was to investigate whether that the porous iron oxide has better lubricating qualities than barite. Two slurries were prepared, one was a 14.0 pound per gallon mixture of barite and bentonite and the other was a 14.0 pound per gallon mixture of porous iron oxide and bentonite. The friction coefficient for each slurry was determined with a Baroid tester and is reported in Table VI below.
______________________________________
Mud System
Friction Coefficient
______________________________________
Barite-bentonite
0.32Porous Iron Oxide-bentonite0.28
______________________________________
EXAMPLE 6 This example demonstrates the effectiveness of the porous iron oxide of this invention in reacting hydrogen sulfide to form FeS2. It is also demonstrated that hydrogen sulfide is not regenerated from the FeS2 once it is formed. In drilling an oil well, hydrogen sulfide gas was emitted at the well head from the circulating drilling mud. The drilling mud turned green and blackening of the drill pipe due to sulfide corrosion was observed. The porous Fe3 O4 of this invention was then added into the circulating mud, in the proportion of approximately 10 pounds per barrel to slightly basic water-based mud weighing approximately 10 pounds per gallon. On a single re-circulation of the mud containing the Fe3 O4 additive, the emissions of hyd and even the odor of hydrogen sulfide was no longer noted at the well head. Within 2 days the drill pipe was observed to be cleaned of the sulfide effect. A sample of cuttings from the mud, then taken, was examined and compared with cuttings taken immediately before treating with Fe3 O4. The treated mud sample was found to contain FeS2 whereas the untreated mud contained no substantial amount of FeS2. EXAMPLE 7 This example also demonstrates the reactivity of the porous iron oxide with hydrogen sulfide. A drill stem test was conducted in a zone known to contain hydrogen sulfide. 300 feet of open
and 600 parts per million H2 S was measured to surface. Subsequently after the drill stem test, mud circulated from the bottom of the hole and containing the present Fe3 O4 was observed to be severely gas cut for 35 minutes. This fluid showed no evidence of hydrogen sulfide, proving that all had been reacted by the Fe3 O4. A sample of this mud was observed to contain FeS2 as the result of the reaction with H2 S. This mud was acidified to a pH of 3 without release of hydrogen sulfide, as proved by lack of hydrogen sulfide odor. This test confirmed the stability of FeS2, once formed, that is, that the removal of hydrogen sulfide reacted by the present additive was permanent and the gas would not be subsequently released. EXAMPLE 8 This example demonstrates that the porous iron oxide of the present invention, when reacted by hydrogen sulfide, forms a coarser agglomerated pyrite which substantially removes itself by being screened out with drill cuttings. In an oil field where great quantities of gas had been encountered, concentrations of hydrogen sulfide were so great that, in a previous well, hydrogen embrittlement of the drill pipe was experienced, with subsequent failure and loss of the hole. An offset well was then drilled, with the mud treated with 13 pounds per barrel of the present porous Fe3 O4. Gas flow was encountered in which the drilling mud weight was reduced from 12.4 pounds per gallon to 10.3 pounds per gallon. Over a period of approximately 48 hours the mud density was increased to approximately 13.3 pounds per gallon while continuously flaring gas and holding 100 psi back pressure on the well annulus. Nevertheless H2 S could not be detected at the surface and no evidence of pipe embrittlement or corrosion was observed. That large quantities of hydrogen sulfide had been reacted was evident from large amounts of agglomerated pyrite screened out with the drill cuttings, with measurable reduction in the concentration of Fe3 O4 in the drilling mud. The present invention thus contributes a substantial improvement to the drilling mud art. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as it is more precisely defined in the subjoined claims. In them the phrase "substantially Fe3 O4 " is to be taken to include FeO.Fe2 O3.
FreePatentsOnline.com. All rights reserved.