Delayed breaker for viscoelastic surfactant-based fluids

US10066149B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Akzo Nobel Chemicals International B.V · NL

Inventors

• Lingling Li · New Fairfield, US
• James F. Gadberry · Danbury, US
• Nick Henry Wolf · Danbury, US
• Jian Zhou · Chongqing, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 23, 2015
• Grant date: Sep 4, 2018
• Expiry date: Nov 23, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E21B43/27
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Compositions and methods are provided for delayed breaking of viscoelastic surfactant gels inside subterranean formations. Breaking is accomplished without mechanical intervention or use of a second fluid. The delayed breaking agent is selected from alkyl ether phosphates and salts thereof, alkylaryl ether phosphates and salts thereof, alkyl sulfates and salts thereof, alkylaryl sulfates and salts thereof, alkyl ether sulfates and salts thereof, alkylaryl ether sulfates and salts thereof, and mixtures of any of the foregoing. The viscoelastic surfactant can be a zwitterionic surfactant, and can be selected from the group consisting of sultaines, betaines, and amidoamine oxides.