Patent · US Expired

Apparatus, compositions, and methods of employing particulates as fracturing fluid compositions in subterranean formations

US5981446A · kind A · utility

59Cited by
12References
57Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 9, 1997
Grant dateNov 9, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 9, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S507/922
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for fracturing subterranean formations using fracturing fluids that are hydrated from dry mix blends. One aspect of the invention comprises a dry blended particulate composition for hydraulic fracturing comprising a particulate hydratable polysaccharide, a particulate crosslinking agent, and a slowly releasing particulate base. The compositions employ controlled release methods of particle dissolution. The invention reveals a dry blended particulate composition capable of significantly improved high temperature stability. Further, methods of fracturing and apparatus for rapidly hydrating and pumping the fracturing fluid into subterranean formations are disclosed.

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