Lamellar micelle containing compositions which exhibit retro-viscous properties
US3954627A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 1973 |
| Grant date | May 4, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 1993 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10N2040/22
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Compositions containing lamellar micelles and which exhibit retro-viscous property at noncryogenic temperatures are prepared by mixing 4-15 percent of a surfactant (preferably an alkaryl sulfonate having an average equivalent weight of 350-525), 30-70 percent of a liquid hydrocarbon, 15-66 percent of water and optionally up to 20 percent of a cosurfactant, preferably an alcohol containing 1-20 carbon atoms, and/or electrolyte (preferably inorganic salt). The micelles have an axial ratio of at least 3.5 and preferably the composition has a viscosity of at least 75 cp. at a shear rate of 10 sec.sup.- .sup.1 at 23.degree.C. The composition is substantially optically clear, phase stable, birefringent, and the flow properties are such that substantially large increases in flow rate, e.g. 20-fold, can be realized at very small increases in pressure drop, e.g. 5 percent. Uses for the compositions include stimulation of wells (e.g. fracturing fluids), drilling fluids, carrier fluids in pipelines, fluidics, cutting oils, and similar applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.