Composition of fermented molasses and colloidal filler

Abstract

The invention relates to a composition comprising fermented molasses and at least one colloidal filler having a density greater than or equal to 1.8 at 20°C. The invention also relates to the use of fermented molasses as a dispersant for a colloidal filler in a dispersion, preferably in drilling mud, in a detergent composition, or in a pigment paste. Figure 7 illustrates this in the abstract.

Description

Title of the invention: Fermented molasses composition and colloidal filler Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to compositions comprising a fermented molasses and a colloidal filler, usable in particular as drilling mud, as well as a new use of fermented molasses as a dispersant. Technical background

[0002] Aqueous drilling muds, used to drill wells in a rock formation, generally use surfactants derived from the petroleum industry to stabilize colloidal dispersions of barite. These dispersions make it possible to increase the density of the water and therefore the pressure during deep drilling for oil extraction or for geothermal energy.

[0003] However, such drilling muds have a significant environmental footprint and their use results in the release of toxic substances into the direct environment of the drilling.

[0004] Molasses is a co-product of sugar production, typically from beet and cane in sugar refineries, or from brown sugars in refineries. The sugar production process, whether made from cane or beet, results, after the crystallization stage, in the production of sugar on the one hand and molasses on the other.

[0005] Although used to extract glycine betaine, which, after esterification, is used as a surfactant, beet molasses is, like cane molasses, more generally used for animal feed, mixed with straw or other cellulosic foods, but also as a binder in complete animal rations, or to encourage animals to ingest unpalatable foods.

[0006] As an alternative to animal feed, molasses is also used by manufacturers for the production of so-called "noble" products via fermentation processes. Indeed, through the fermentation mechanisms available to certain microorganisms, molasses can serve as a substrate and in particular allows the production of baker's yeast, ethyl alcohol, citric and glutamic acids, lysine and even antibiotics.

[0007] On the other hand, the use of molasses via fermentation processes generates large quantities of liquid fermentation residues. These liquid fermentation residues correspond to so-called fermented molasses.

[0008] Having been depleted of constituents by micro-organisms, fermented molasses is generally considered to be a fermentation residue of little interest, and is mainly used in the field of agriculture as a spreading fertilizer.

[0009] Document EP 0495856 relates to aqueous drilling fluids comprising an extract of natural substance having a high proportion of monosaccharides and / or oligosaccharides, in particular a sugar cane extract, a beet extract and / or a malted grain extract, intended to limit the swelling or disintegration of the drilled rock in contact with the aqueous drilling fluid, in particular for shale formations. The sugar cane and beet extracts may in particular be cane molasses, beet molasses or condensed molasses solids.

[0010] GB 2380502 relates to drilling fluids comprising desugared molasses solids and an alkyl glucoside for improving drilling stability, particularly when the rock being drilled comprises shale.

[0011] There is a real need to provide dispersions of a solid filler in a liquid medium which are stable and environmentally friendly, while remaining economical. Summary of the invention

[0012] The invention relates firstly to a composition comprising a fermented molasses and at least one colloidal filler having a density greater than or equal to 1.8 at 20°C.

[0013] In embodiments, the fermented molasses is a fermented beet molasses and / or a fermented cane molasses.

[0014] In embodiments, the fermented molasses is fermented cane molasses.

[0015] In embodiments, the colloidal filler is selected from the group consisting of barite, calcium carbonate, carbon black, pigments, calcium sulfate, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, fruit pit powders, kaolin, colloidal silica particles, talc, clays, lime, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, yeast walls, and combinations thereof.

[0016] In embodiments, the at least one colloidal filler has a density greater than or equal to 2.5 at 20°C.

[0017] In embodiments, the at least one colloidal filler has a density greater than or equal to 4 at 20°C.

[0018] In embodiments, the composition comprises from 35 to 80% by weight, preferably from 60 to 80% by weight, of fermented molasses, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0019] In embodiments, the composition comprises from 20 to 65% by weight, preferably from 20 to 40% by weight, of colloidal filler having a density greater than or equal to 1.8, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0020] In embodiments, the composition comprises a water content of 20 to 70% by weight, preferably 30 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0021] In embodiments, the fermented molasses comprises a dry matter content of 50 to 90% by weight, preferably 50 to 65% by weight.

[0022] In embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one brine, preferably comprising a salinity of 100 to 350 g / L.

[0023] In embodiments, the composition has a pH of 2 to 12.5, preferably 8 to 12.5.

[0024] In embodiments, the composition is a drilling mud.

[0025] In embodiments, the composition is a detergent composition.

[0026] In embodiments, the composition is a pigment paste.

[0027] The invention also relates to the use of a fermented molasses as a dispersant of a colloidal filler in a dispersion, preferably in a drilling mud, in a detergent composition or in a pigment paste.

[0028] The present invention makes it possible to meet the need expressed above. More particularly, it provides a composition which is economical, non-toxic and environmentally friendly, in which a filler can be dispersed in a stable manner. Such compositions may in particular be useful as drilling muds, detergent creams or pigment pastes.

[0029] This is accomplished through the use of fermented molasses in the composition. It has surprisingly been discovered that fermented molasses inherently has surfactant properties that, when mixed with a solid filler of a certain density, form a dispersion, wherein the fermented molasses can act as both the aqueous medium of the dispersion and the surfactant. In addition, for certain applications, such as drilling mud applications, fermented molasses can further replace viscosifying agents. Brief description of the figures

[0030] [Fig.l] represents the backscattering spectra of light recorded at different durations, between 0 and 24h, for a composition of pure cane fermented molasses at 60°C as described in example 2 below. On the abscissa, the height of the tube containing the composition (in mm) and on the ordinate is the percentage of backscattering of the light.

[0031] [Fig.2] represents the backscattering spectra of light recorded at different durations, between 0 and 24 hours, for a composition of fermented cane molasses comprising 20% ​​by weight of baryte at 40°C as described in example 2 below. On the abscissa, the height of the tube containing the composition (in mm) is shown and on the ordinate, the percentage of backscattering of the light is shown.

[0032] [Fig.3] represents the light backscattering spectra recorded at different durations, between 0 and 24h, for a composition of fermented cane molasses comprising 20% ​​by weight of baryte at 60°C as described in Example 2 below. On the abscissa, the height of the tube containing the composition (in mm) is shown and on the ordinate, the percentage of light backscattering is shown.

[0033] [Fig.4] represents the backscattering spectra of light recorded at different durations, between 0 and 24 hours, for a composition of fermented cane molasses comprising 30% by weight of baryte at 40°C as described in example 2 below. On the abscissa, the height of the tube containing the composition (in mm) is shown and on the ordinate, the percentage of backscattering of the light is shown.

[0034] [Fig.5] represents the light backscattering spectra recorded at different durations, between 0 and 24h, for a composition of fermented cane molasses comprising 30% by weight of baryte at 60°C as described in Example 2 below. On the abscissa, the height of the tube containing the composition (in mm) is shown and on the ordinate, the percentage of light backscattering is shown.

[0035] [Fig.6] represents the light backscattering spectra recorded at different durations, between 0 and 24h, for a composition of fermented cane molasses comprising 40% by weight of baryte at 40°C as described in Example 2 below. On the abscissa, the height of the tube containing the composition (in mm) is shown and on the ordinate, the percentage of light backscattering is shown.

[0036] [Fig.7] represents the percentage of backscattering of light as a function of the time (in hours), at the height of the measuring tube between 33 and 42 mm, for the composition of fermented cane molasses comprising 20% ​​by weight of baryte at 40°C (curve A, symbols X), the composition of fermented cane molasses comprising 20% ​​by weight of baryte at 60°C (curve B, symbols ♦), the composition of fermented cane molasses comprising 30% by weight of baryte at 40°C (curve C, symbols A), the composition of fermented cane molasses comprising 30% by weight of baryte at 60°C (curve D, symbols ■) and the composition of fermented cane molasses comprising 40% by weight of baryte at 40°C (curve E in dotted lines).

[0037] [Fig.8] represents the light backscattering spectra recorded at different durations, between 0 and 24h, for the regenerated sample of fermented cane molasses comprising 30% by weight of baryte at 40°C as described in Example 2 below. On the abscissa, the height of the tube containing the composition (in mm) is shown and on the ordinate, the percentage of light backscattering is shown.

[0038] [Fig.9] represents the percentage of backscattering of light as a function of time (in hours), at the height of the measuring tube between 33 and 42 mm, for the first composition of fermented cane molasses comprising 30% by weight of baryte at 40°C (curve F, symbols A), for the second sample at 30% of baryte at 40°C (curve G, dotted line) and for the regenerated sample at 40°C (curve H) as described in example 2 below.

[0039] [Fig. 10] represents the backscattering spectra of light recorded at different durations, between 0 and 19hl0, for dispersion No. 1 as described in Example 3 below. On the abscissa, the height of the tube containing the composition (in mm) is shown and on the ordinate, the percentage of backscattering of the light is shown.

[0040] [Fig. 11] represents the backscattering spectra of light recorded at different durations, between 0 and 19hl0, for dispersion No. 2 as described in Example 3 below. On the abscissa, the height of the tube containing the composition (in mm) is shown and on the ordinate, the percentage of backscattering of the light is shown.

[0041] [Fig. 12] represents the percentage of backscattering of light as a function of time (in hours), at the height of the measuring tube between 33 and 42 mm, for dispersion No. 1 (curve I) and for dispersion No. 2 (curve J, dark gray, symbols m) as described in Example 3 below, as well as for the first composition of fermented cane molasses comprising 30% by weight of baryte at 40°C (curve K, symbols A) and for the second sample at 30% of baryte at 40°C (curve L, dotted line) as described in Example 2 below. Detailed description

[0042] The invention is now described in more detail and in a non-limiting manner in the following description.

[0043] In this text, unless expressly indicated otherwise, all percentages (%) indicated are percentages by weight.

[0044] In this text, the quantities indicated for a given species may apply to this species according to all its definitions (as mentioned in this text), including the more restricted definitions.

[0045] The invention relates to a composition comprising a fermented molasses and at least one colloidal filler.

[0046] In a particularly preferred manner, the composition according to the invention is a dispersion (or colloidal suspension), that is to say a suspension of the colloidal filler dispersed in a liquid phase. More preferably, the composition according to the invention is an aqueous dispersion.

[0047] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "fermented molasses" means a fermented molasses which has not undergone an esterification process (for example with a view to esterifying the glycine betaine present in fermented beet molasses).

[0048] As previously mentioned, fermented molasses is a co-product of molasses obtained after fermentation of the latter by bacteria, yeasts or fungi, said fermentation making it possible, for example, to obtain so-called “noble” products such as baker’s yeast, ethyl alcohol, citric acid or even glutamic acid.

[0049] The fermented molasses used in the invention may be a fermented beet molasses or a fermented cane molasses. The fermented molasses used in the invention may alternatively be a mixture of fermented beet molasses and fermented cane molasses. For example, the mixture may comprise from 1 to 25% by weight of fermented beet molasses and from 75 to 99% by weight of fermented cane molasses, or from 25 to 50% by weight of fermented beet molasses and from 50 to 75% by weight of fermented cane molasses, or from 50 to 75% by weight of fermented beet molasses and from 25 to 50% by weight of fermented cane molasses, or from 75 to 99% by weight of fermented beet molasses and from 1 to 25% by weight of fermented cane molasses.

[0050] More preferably, the fermented molasses used is fermented cane molasses. The use of fermented cane molasses makes it possible to obtain a dispersion with better kinetic stability than the use of fermented beet molasses.

[0051] Advantageously, the fermented molasses is obtained by the fermentation of molasses by yeasts.

[0052] Preferably, the fermented molasses incorporated into the composition according to the invention comprises a dry matter content of 50 to 90% by weight, preferably 50 to 65% by weight, more preferably 52 to 56% by weight. In particular, the fermented molasses may comprise 50 to 52% by weight, or 52 to 56% by weight, or 56 to 58% by weight, or 58 to 60% by weight, or 60 to 62% by weight, or 62 to 65% by weight, or 65 to 70% by weight, or 70 to 75% by weight, or 75 to 80% by weight, or 80 to 85% by weight, or 85 to 90% by weight, of dry matter. Preferably, the remainder of the fermented molasses is water (the fermented molasses incorporated into the composition may thus comprise from 10 to 50% by weight of water, preferably 35 to 50% by weight of water, more preferably 44 to 48% by weight of water).

[0053] The fermented molasses recovered from the fermentation bath generally contains from 5 to 10% by weight of dry matter (and therefore from 90 to 95% by weight of water). The fermented molasses as recovered after the fermentation process may undergo concentration, in order to reduce the quantity of water, or dilution, preferably with water, for example to achieve a dry matter content in one of the ranges mentioned above.

[0054] The fermented molasses incorporated into the composition may be a demineralized fermented molasses. The demineralization may, for example, consist of a precipitation of the salts of potassium sulfate (K2SO4), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and calcium sulfate (CaSO4) by adding sulfuric acid. Advantageously, the demineralization makes it possible to increase the proportion of organic matter within the fermented molasses and to increase the proportion of surfactant molecules in the molasses relative to the total dry matter in the fermented molasses.

[0055] The fermented molasses incorporated into the composition may be a depotassium-depleted fermented molasses, for example via acidification with a sulfuric acid solution followed by neutralization with ammonia.

[0056] Alternatively, the fermented molasses used for the preparation of the composition may be a so-called “raw” fermented molasses, that is to say that it has not been subjected to any chemical or physicochemical treatment (the raw fermented molasses may however have been concentrated or diluted).

[0057] Fermented molasses can be defined by its distribution of nitrogenous matter and by its aminogram. The fermented molasses according to the invention can thus have a distribution of nitrogenous matter as follows: • nitrogen of total amino acids determined by the Kjeldahl method: 25% to 100% by weight of total nitrogen, • betaine nitrogen: 0% to 50% by weight of total nitrogen, • ammoniacal nitrogen: 0% to 30% by weight of total nitrogen.

[0058] More particularly, the fermented molasses according to the invention may have a distribution of nitrogenous materials as follows, in particular when it is a fermented beet molasses: • nitrogen of total amino acids determined by the Kjeldahl method: 25% to 50% by weight of total nitrogen, • betaine nitrogen: 40% to 50% by weight of total nitrogen, • ammoniacal nitrogen: 2% to 3% by weight of total nitrogen.

[0059] Alternatively, the fermented molasses according to the invention may have a distribution of nitrogenous materials as follows, in particular when it is a fermented cane molasses: • nitrogen of total amino acids determined by the Kjeldahl method: 70% to 100% by weight of total nitrogen, • ammoniacal nitrogen: 0% to 30% by weight of total nitrogen.

[0060] Concerning the aminogram of the proteins of the fermented molasses according to the invention, the average amino acid contents can be the following (the content ranges are given in g / kg of dry matter of the fermented molasses): • aspartic acid: 6 - 8; • threonine: 0.5 - 3; • serine glutamic acid: 115 - 130; • proline: 3 - 4; • glycine: 4 - 5; • alanine: 2.5 - 3.5; • valine: 2.5 - 3.5; • methionine and cysteine: 0.5 - 3; • isoleucine: 1.5 - 2.5; • tyrosine: 2 - 3.5; • leucine: 3 - 4.5; • phenylalanine: 1 - 2; • lysine: 0.5 - 2.5; • histidine: 0.5 - 2; and • arginine: 0.2 - 1.

[0061] The fermented molasses has a low sugar content, the latter having been consumed by the microorganisms during the fermentation process. By "low sugar content" is meant that the sugar content is less than or equal to 5% by weight, or less than or equal to 4% by weight, or less than or equal to 3% by weight, or less than or equal to 2% by weight, and preferably, less than or equal to 1% by weight, relative to the total mass of the dry extract of fermented molasses. More preferably, the fermented molasses according to the invention is free of sugars.

[0062] The fermented molasses according to the invention may have a density at 20°C of 1.10 to 1.50, preferably of 1.20 to 1.40, more particularly of 1.25 to 1.35. The density of the fermented molasses may be determined using a DMA® 4500M densimeter from Anton Paar at a temperature of 20°C on a 2 mL sample.

[0063] The fermented molasses according to the invention may have a viscosity at 20°C of 50 to 6000 mPA.s, preferably of 500 to 5000 mPA.s, more preferably of 1000 to 4000 mPA.s. Viscosity can be measured using a Brookfield viscometer at a temperature of 20°C and a shear rate of 20 s1.

[0064] The fermented molasses incorporated into the composition according to the invention may have a pH of 2 to 12.

[0065] The composition according to the invention comprises at least one colloidal filler. By "colloidal filler" is meant any solid substance in the form of particles. In the present text, the terms "colloidal filler" and "filler" have the same meaning and are used interchangeably. This colloidal filler has a density greater than or equal to 1.8 at 20°C. In the context of the present invention, the density of the filler must be understood as being the packed density. The density of the filler can be determined at a temperature of 20°C according to the ISO 787-11 standard.

[0066] The colloidal charge can be mineral or organic.

[0067] Preferably, the colloidal filler is a mineral filler.

[0068] The colloidal filler may be a density agent, a pigment, a detergent agent, an abrasive or exfoliating agent, an active ingredient, or combinations thereof.

[0069] Advantageously, the colloidal filler is selected from the group consisting of barite (BaSO4) (density at 20°C of 4.5), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) (density at 20°C of 2.7), carbon black (density at 20°C of 1.8 to 2.1) and other pigments, calcium sulfate (density at 20°C of 2.9), iron oxide, titanium dioxide (density of 3.8-4.3), fruit kernel powder (such as apricot kernel powder), kaolin, colloidal silica particles, talc, clays, lime, magnesium oxide (or magnesia), aluminum oxide, yeast walls, and combinations thereof.

[0070] The presence, in the composition, of a filler, and more particularly of a density agent, such as barite, makes it possible to increase the density of the composition. The use of a density agent is particularly useful when the composition is a drilling mud.

[0071] In advantageous variants, the colloidal filler has a density at 20°C greater than or equal to 2.5. In other advantageous variants, the colloidal filler has a density at 20°C greater than or equal to 4. The colloidal filler may have a density greater than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 3, or greater than or equal to 3.5 or greater than or equal to 4.5. In particular, the filler may have a density at 20°C of 1.8 to 2, or 2 to 2.5, or 2.5 to 3, or 3 to 3.5 or 3.5 to 4, or 4 to 4.5, or 4.5 to 5, or 5 to 6.

[0072] Advantageously, the amount of fermented molasses in the composition according to the invention is from 5 to 95% by weight, preferably from 35 to 80% by weight, preferably from 40 to 80% by weight, more preferably from 55 to 80% by weight, more preferably from 60 to 80% by weight, more preferably from 65 to 75% by weight, more preferably from 68 to 72% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. Alternatively, the amount of fermented molasses in the composition according to the invention may advantageously be 5 to 15% by weight, preferably 5 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. In embodiments, the amount of fermented molasses in the composition may be 5-10 wt%, or 10-15 wt%, or 15-20 wt%, or 20-25 wt%, or 25-30 wt%, or 30-35 wt%, or 35-40 wt%, or 40-45 wt%, or 45-50 wt%, or 50-55 wt%, or 55-60 wt%, or 60-65 wt%, or 65-68 wt%, or 68-70 wt%, or 70-72 wt%, or 72-75 wt%, or 75-80 wt%, or 80 at 85% by weight, or from 85 to 90% by weight, or from 90 to 95% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0073] Preferably, the composition comprises an amount of colloidal filler having a density at 20°C greater than or equal to 1.8 of 5 to 95% by weight, more preferably of 20 to 65% by weight, more preferably of 20 to 60% by weight, more preferably of 20 to 45% by weight, more preferably of 20 to 40% by weight, more preferably of 25 to 35% by weight, even more preferably of 28 to 32% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. Alternatively, the composition may comprise an amount of colloidal filler having a density at 20°C greater than or equal to 1.8 of 40 to 95% by weight, for example of 40 to 50% by weight, or of 90 to 95% by weight.In embodiments, the composition may comprise, based on the total weight of the composition, from 5 to 10% by weight, or from 10 to 15% by weight, or from 15 to 20% by weight, or from 20 to 25% by weight, or from 25 to 28% by weight, or from 28 to 30% by weight, or from 30 to 32% by weight, or from 32 to 35% by weight, or from 35 to 40% by weight, or from 40 to 45% by weight, or from 45 to 50% by weight, or from 50 to 55% by weight, or from 55 to 60% by weight, or from 60 to 65% by weight, or from 65 to 70% by weight, or from 70 to 75% by weight, or from 75 to 80% by weight, or 80 to 85% by weight, or 85 to 90% by weight, or 90 to 95% by weight, of colloidal filler. These quantities may apply to the filler according to the invention according to all its definitions (as mentioned in the present text), including more restricted definitions.

[0074] Preferably, the composition comprises at least 5% by weight, more preferably at least 10% by weight, even more preferably at least 12% by weight, more particularly at least 15% by weight, of water, relative to the total weight of the composition. For example, the composition may comprise from 20 to 70% by weight, preferably from 30 to 50% by weight, more preferably from 35 to 45% by weight, of water, relative to the total weight of the composition. In embodiments, the composition may comprise, relative to the total weight of the composition, from 5 to 10% by weight, or from 10 to 15% by weight, or from 15 to 20% by weight weight, or 20 to 25% by weight, or 25 to 30% by weight, or 30 to 35% by weight, or 35 to 40% by weight, or 40 to 45% by weight, or 45 to 50% by weight, or 50 to 55% by weight, or 55 to 60% by weight, or 60 to 65% by weight, or 65 to 70% by weight, of water.

[0075] The composition may comprise a dry matter content of 30 to 80% by weight, preferably 50 to 70% by weight, more preferably 55 to 65% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0076] Preferably, the composition comprises a quantity of fermented molasses dry matter of 30 to 70% by weight, more preferably of 45 to 60% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. The composition according to the invention may comprise a quantity of fermented molasses dry matter of 30 to 35% by weight, or of 35 to 40% by weight, or of 40 to 45% by weight, or of 45 to 50% by weight, or of 50 to 55% by weight, or of 55 to 60% by weight, or of 60 to 65% by weight, or of 65 to 70% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0077] The composition according to the invention may comprise at least one brine. By "brine" is meant an aqueous solution comprising at least one salt. Advantageously, the brine has a salinity greater than or equal to 100 g / L, for example from 100 to 350 g / L, and more preferably greater than or equal to 200 g / L (for example from 200 to 350 g / L). The salinity of the brine is defined here as the total concentration of inorganic salts dissolved in the aqueous solution, preferably in water, such as for example NaCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, and / or any other inorganic salt. The salinity may be measured using a conductivity probe and is expressed in g / L of the total dissolved solids.

[0078] The incorporation of a brine into the composition makes it possible to reduce the density of the composition. The incorporation of a brine can be more particularly useful when the composition is a drilling mud, it makes it possible to adjust the density of the mud according to the formation in which the drilling takes place.

[0079] Advantageously, the brine is introduced into the composition according to the invention in an amount of 0 to 40% by weight, preferably 10 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. In particular, the composition may comprise 0 to 5% by weight, or 5 to 10% by weight, or 10 to 15% by weight, or 15 to 20% by weight, or 20 to 25% by weight, or 25 to 30% by weight, or 30 to 35% by weight, or 35 to 40% by weight, of brine, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0080] Other aqueous solutions may also be present in the composition according to the invention.

[0081] The composition may consist of fermented molasses and at least one colloidal filler having a density at 20°C greater than or equal to 1.8 (or a colloidal filler according to the invention having a more restricted definition, as described in the present text). Alternatively, the composition may consist of fermented molasses, at least one colloidal filler having a density at 20°C greater than or equal to 1.8 (or a colloidal filler according to the invention having a more restricted definition, as described in the present text) and at least one brine.

[0082] Alternatively, the composition may comprise one or more other surfactants, for example selected from the group consisting of sorbitans and their derivatives, alkyl polyglucosides, sucro esters, glycine betaine esters, rhamnolipids, surfactins, sophorolipids, glycolipids, beet pectins, phospholipids, lecithins, quaternary amines and their derivatives, fatty amines and amides, chitosan and its derivatives, and soaps and their derivatives. These surfactants may be present in the composition in an amount of 0 to 10% by weight, preferably 0 to 2% by weight.

[0083] Advantageously, the composition is free of surfactants other than fermented molasses, in particular it is free of surfactants such as mentioned above.

[0084] The composition may comprise one or more additives, in particular one or more hydrocolloids such as xanthan gums, celluloses and cellulose derivatives, pectins, alginates and / or starches.

[0085] The composition advantageously has a pH ranging from 2 to 12.5, preferably from 8 to 12.5. The composition may have a pH of 2 to 3, or from 3 to 4, or from 4 to 5, or from 5 to 6, or from 6 to 7, or from 7 to 8, or from 8 to 9, or from 9 to 10, or from 10 to 11, or from 11 to 12, or from 12 to 12.5.

[0086] The composition according to the invention preferably has a density at 20°C of 1 to 2.5, more preferably of 1.2 to 1.8. The density of the composition can be measured as indicated above for fermented molasses.

[0087] The composition according to the invention can be prepared by mixing the fermented molasses with at least one colloidal filler and optionally the other constituents of the composition (such as at least one brine, one or more other aqueous solutions, other surfactants and / or additives). The mixing can be carried out in one step (the constituents all being added to the mixture simultaneously) or in several steps (a premix of certain constituents being first carried out before the addition of other constituents). Preferably, the colloidal filler is added to the fermented molasses, more preferably with stirring.

[0088] The mixing of the fermented molasses and the colloidal filler (and optionally the other constituents of the composition) can be carried out using a deflocculating paddle stirring system, a high shear mixer, or any other mechanical stirring system.

[0089] The mixing can be carried out for a period of 1 min to 1 h, preferably 2 to 30 min, more preferably 3 to 15 min.

[0090] The composition according to the invention may be prepared at room temperature (i.e. between 15 and 30°C). Alternatively, the fermented molasses, the filler, or both may be heated to a temperature of 60°C prior to their mixing. More particularly, the mixing of the constituents of the composition according to the invention may advantageously be carried out at a temperature of 20 to 60°C.

[0091] The composition according to the invention can be used in any type of application.

[0092] The composition according to the invention can advantageously be a drilling mud. In these embodiments, the colloidal filler preferably has a density at 20°C greater than or equal to 2.5 and the colloidal filler is preferably barite. The fermented molasses is preferably a fermented cane molasses.

[0093] The density of the drilling mud can be varied depending on the reservoir and / or the depth of drilling, for example, by adjusting the amount of colloidal filler and / or brine added to the fermented molasses.

[0094] The composition according to the invention can be used in a large number of other industries or sectors, for example in the detergent and cleaning products industry, or in the dyes industry.

[0095] Thus, the composition according to the invention may be a detergent composition. In these embodiments, the colloidal filler preferably has a density at 20°C greater than or equal to 2.5 and the colloidal filler is preferably chosen from calcium carbonate, fruit kernel powders, such as apricot kernel powder or combinations thereof.

[0096] Alternatively, the composition according to the invention may be a pigment paste. In these embodiments, the colloidal filler preferably has a density at 20°C greater than or equal to 1.8 and the colloidal filler is preferably carbon black.

[0097] The invention also relates to the use of a composition as described above, as a drilling mud, or as a detergent composition, or as a pigment paste, or for the preparation of a drilling mud, or a detergent composition, or a pigment paste.

[0098] The invention also relates to the use of a fermented molasses as a dispersant. Preferably, the fermented molasses is used as a dispersant of a filler in a dispersion. More preferably, the filler may be a filler as described above, and in particular may have a density at 20°C greater than or equal to 1.8. Alternatively, the filler may have a density at 20°C less than 1.8. The fermented molasses and the dispersion may be as described above.

[0099] Advantageously, the dispersion in which the fermented molasses according to the invention is used is a drilling mud, or a detergent composition, or a pigment paste. Examples

[0100] The following examples illustrate the invention without limiting it. Example 1 - Density measurement

[0101] Three dispersions comprising different amounts of baryta were prepared as follows: an appropriate amount of baryta powder was added to a quantity of 25 g of fermented molasses under magnetic stirring (using a magnetic bar), at 1200 rpm, for 3 minutes, at room temperature. The fermented molasses used is a fermented cane molasses comprising approximately 55% by weight of dry matter. No other compound was added to the compositions. The amounts of baryta introduced into the fermented molasses are such that the compositions comprise respectively 20% by weight of baryta, 30% by weight of baryta and 40% by weight of baryta.

[0102] A comparative composition not comprising baryta (and therefore comprising only fermented molasses) was also prepared.

[0103] The density of these compositions was measured using a DMA® 4500M densimeter from Anton Paar at a temperature of 60°C on a 2 mL sample.

[0104] The results are presented in the table below:

[0105] [Tables 1] Quantity (in % by mass) of barite in the composition Density of the composition (at 60°C) 0 1.32051 20 1.51323 30 1.64812 40 1.78602 Example 2 - Turbidity measurement

[0106] Turbidity measurements were performed on barite dispersions in fermented molasses to detect the extent of barite particle sedimentation over a 24-hour period. These measurements were performed with a Turbiscan® Lab device using static multiple light scattering. The head of the device moves along the height of the measuring cell and records light transmission for transparent samples and light backscattering for opaque samples. The device receives signals every 40 pm and at different time periods. The samples are stored in thermal chambers. Creaming and sedimentation can be assessed by viewing the TURBISCAN® Lab signals. Sedimentation results in a decrease in backscatter at the top of the sample tube as clarification occurs, and an increase in light backscatter at the bottom of the tube due to sedimented particles. The opposite situation is observed in creaming (the backscatter signal increases at the top of the tube due to creaming and decreases at the bottom of the tube due to clarification).

[0107] The dispersions of fermented cane molasses comprising different proportions of baryte, and the comparative dispersion comprising only fermented cane molasses, as described in Example 1 above, were stored in tubes in the Turbiscan® Lab for 24 h at 40°C (for the dispersions comprising 20, 30 or 40% baryte) and 60°C (for the dispersions comprising 20 or 30% baryte), the tubes being regularly scanned. The samples are opaque and no light transmission could be detected. Thus, the measurements were limited to backscattered light.

[0108] The spectra (except those for pure fermented molasses at 40°C) obtained after different periods of time, up to a duration of 24 h, are shown in [Fig.l], [Fig.2], [Fig.3], [Fig.4], [Fig.5] and [Fig.6],

[0109] Pure fermented molasses is stable at 40°C and 60°C, with no changes in backscattering observed. In dispersions including barite, a significant increase in light scattering was observed along the entire tube, indicating that the solid barite particles were well dispersed in the fermented molasses. These particles settled slightly, leading to clarification at the top of the tube. However, no increase in backscattering was observed at the bottom of the tubes, meaning that no phase separation took place. The barite particles remained well dispersed overall.

[0110] The clarification rate, for each of the compositions tested (except for the pure fermented molasses compositions), is shown in [Fig.7].

[0111] It is noted that clarification is faster at 60°C than at 40°C.

[0112] It is also observed that, at 40°C, the dispersions are more stable when the quantity of barite increases.

[0113] A second sample comprising 30% by weight of barite and 70% by weight of fermented cane molasses (referred to as the "second 30% barite sample") was prepared in the same manner as the first sample comprising 30% by weight of barite described above and was stored at 40°C for 24 h. This second 30% barite sample was again subjected, after clarification, to agitation as applied initially and the backscattering of light from this sample, called the “regenerated sample”, was measured at 40°C for 24 h. The spectra of the regenerated sample are shown in [Fig.8].

[0114] The clarification rate (at 40°C) of the second 30% barite sample and the regenerated sample were also measured and the results are shown in [Fig.9]. It can be seen that the curve of the second 30% barite sample overlaps that of the first sample comprising 30% barite by weight. Furthermore, the clarification rate curve of the regenerated sample is almost overlapped with that of the second 30% barite sample (from which the regenerated sample was prepared).

[0115] In the regenerated sample, the baryte, which had previously sedimented slightly, dispersed well, which confirms the good dispersion properties of fermented cane molasses. Example 3 - Dispersions with brine

[0116] The compatibility of mixtures of baryte and fermented molasses with a brine consisting of distilled water comprising 300 g / L of CaCl2 was evaluated.

[0117] For this, the brine was introduced into a dispersion comprising 30% by weight of barite in fermented cane molasses, in an amount of 20% by weight of the total composition. The introduction of the brine into the dispersion was carried out at room temperature and with magnetic stirring. A sample of this dispersion (dispersion No. 1) was adjusted to a pH of 7 and another sample (dispersion No. 2) was adjusted to a pH of 10. To prepare dispersion No. 2, an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide was added to the fermented molasses until a pH of 10 was obtained.

[0118] The density of dispersions No. 1 and No. 2 was determined as indicated in Example 1 but at temperatures of 20°C, 40°C and 60°C, and the results are presented in the table below.

[0119] [T ableaux2] Dispersion No. Density at 20°C Density at 40°C Density at 60°C 1 (pH 7) 1.51971 1.51158 1.50377 2 (pH 10) 1.50251 1.49501 1.48626

[0120] The turbidity of these dispersions was also measured at 40°C by a Turbiscan® Lab device in the manner indicated in Example 2 above.

[0121] The spectra obtained after different periods of time, up to a duration of 19hl0, are shown in [Fig. 10] and [Fig. 11].

[0122] No phase separation was observed for both dispersions No. 1 (at pH 7) and dispersion No. 2 (at pH 10), the dispersions are relatively stable.

[0123] It is observed that dispersion No. 2 at pH 10 has better stability than dispersion No. 1 at pH 7, the dispersing properties of fermented molasses are improved at pH 10 compared to pH 7.

[0124] The clarification speed of dispersions No. 1 and No. 2 is illustrated in [Fig. 12].

[0125] The Turbiscan® Stability Index (TSI) is a parameter used by formulators to characterize the stability of a formulation. It is a dimensionless number that is the result of the sum of all destabilization phenomena occurring in the sample that can be measured by a notable change in the intensity of the backscattering or transmission signal along the height of the sample. This index is obtained by the Turbiscan® Lab turbidimeter. The lower the TSI, the more stable the sample.

[0126] The TSI was determined for each of the products described above and the results are presented in the table below.

[0127] [Tables3] Composition Quantity of baryte in the composition (% by weight) Quantity of brine in the composition (% by weight) Temperature of the composition (°C) TSI Fermented cane molasses 0 0 40 0.7 Fermented cane molasses 0 0 60 1.4 Fermented molasses + baryte 20 0 40 7.5 Fermented molasses + baryte 20 0 60 10 Fermented molasses + baryte 30 0 40 5 Fermented molasses + baryte 30 0 60 12 2nd sample at 30% baryte 30 0 40 6 Regenerated sample (fermented molasses + baryte) 30 0 40 11 Fermented molasses + baryta 40 0 ​​40 6 Dispersion No. 1 (fermented molasses + baryta + brine, pH 7) 24 20 40 12 Dispersion No. 2 (fermented molasses + baryta + brine, pH 10) 24 20 40 7 Example 4 - Thermal stability

[0128] Five dispersions comprising 60% by weight of baryta were prepared in the manner indicated in Example 1, except that the pH of the fermented molasses used to prepare the dispersions was previously adjusted to 10 by the addition of sodium hydroxide granules to the fermented molasses with stirring.

[0129] These five dispersions were aged for 48 hours at a temperature of 4°C, 5°C, 8°C, 100°C and 120°C respectively, as follows: • aging at 4°C: in static conditions, in a cold room; • aging at 5°C, 100°C and 120°C: in dynamic conditions (100 s 1 ), in a rheometer pressure cell; • aging at 8°C: in static conditions, in a refrigerator.

[0130] For the high temperature aging experiments (100°C and 120°C), the cell was put under a pressure of 35 bars under nitrogen in order to avoid the evaporation of water and to mimic the operating conditions of the drilling.

[0131] The density of the dispersions aged at 5°C, 8°C, 100°C and 120°C, as well as the density of the dispersion before aging, were measured by weighing a precise volume of dispersion.

[0132] The results are presented in the table below:

[0133] [Tables4] Dispersion Dispersion density (at 25°C) Dispersion before aging 1.9906 Dispersion aged at 5°C 2.0129 Dispersion aged at 8°C 2.0563 Dispersion aged at 100°C 2.0094 Dispersion aged at 120°C 2.054

[0134] It is observed that the densities of the dispersions remain relatively constant after aging at low and high temperatures.

[0135] The turbidity of the dispersions aged at 4°C, 8°C and 120°C and of the initial dispersion (before aging) was also measured at 60°C by a Turbiscan® Lab device in the manner indicated in Example 2 above.

[0136] The spectra obtained after different periods of time, up to a duration of 24 h, are shown in [Fig. 13], [Fig. 14], [Fig. 15], and [Fig. 16].

[0137] No change in the backscattering of light is observed between the initial dispersion and the aged dispersions, whether at low or high temperature: the dispersions have not sedimented, they exhibit good thermal stability.

Claims

Claims

1. A composition comprising a fermented molasses and from 25 to 95% by weight of at least one colloidal filler having a density greater than or equal to 1.8 at 20°C, relative to the total weight of the composition, in which the colloidal filler is dispersed in a liquid phase.

2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the fermented molasses is a fermented beet molasses and / or a fermented cane molasses.

3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fermented molasses is fermented cane molasses.

4. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the colloidal filler is selected from the group consisting of barite, calcium carbonate, carbon black, pigments, calcium sulfate, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, fruit pit powders, kaolin, colloidal silica particles, talc, clays, lime, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, yeast walls, and combinations thereof.

5. Composition according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the at least one colloidal filler has a density greater than or equal to 2.5 at 20°C.

6. Composition according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the at least one colloidal filler has a density greater than or equal to 4 at 20°C.

7. Composition according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising from 35 to 75% by weight, preferably from 60 to 75% by weight, of fermented molasses, relative to the total weight of the composition.

8. Composition according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising from 25 to 65% by weight, preferably from 25 to 40% by weight, of colloidal filler having a density greater than or equal to 1.8, relative to the total weight of the composition.

9. Composition according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a water content of 20 to 70% by weight, preferably 30 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

10. Composition according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the fermented molasses comprises a dry matter content of 50 to 90% by weight, preferably 50 to 65% by weight.

11. Composition according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising at least one brine, preferably comprising a salinity of 100 to 350 g / L.

12. Composition according to one of claims 1 to 11, having a pH of 2 to 12.5, preferably of 8 to 12.

5.

13. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is a drilling mud.

14. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is a detergent composition.

15. Composition according to one of claims 1 to 12, which is a pigment paste.

16. Use of a fermented molasses as a dispersant of a colloidal filler in a dispersion, preferably in a drilling mud, in a detergent composition or in a pigment paste.

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