Patent · US Expired

Encapsulated enzyme breaker and method for use in treating subterranean formations

US5604186A · kind A · utility

170Cited by
30References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 15, 1995
Grant dateFeb 18, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 15, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S507/922
  • WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of preparing an encapsulated enzyme breaker and method of use in treating a subterranean formation. An encapsulated breaker is prepared by coating an enzyme on a cellulose substrate. A micron-sized particulate is admixed with the enzyme solution to prevent undesired agglomeration of the substrate. The enzyme solution coated substrate is covered with a membrane comprising a partially hydrolyzed acrylic crosslinked with either an aziridine prepolymer or a carbodiimide. The membrane contains imperfections through which an aqueous fluid may pass into the breaker to contact the enzyme and diffuse the enzyme outward from the breaker particle.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.