Patent · US Expired

Viscoelastic surfactant fluids and related methods of use

US6258859A · kind A · utility

214Cited by
26References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 8, 1998
Grant dateJul 10, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 8, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S507/924
  • WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Viscoelastic surfactant based aqueous fluid systems useful as thickening agents in various applications, e.g. to suspend particles produced during the excavation of geologic formations. The surfactants are zwitterionic/amphoteric surfactants such as dihydroxyl alkyl glycinate, alkyl ampho acetate or propionate, alkyl betaine, alkyl amidopropyl betaine and alkylimino mono- or di-propionates derived from certain waxes, fats and oils. The thickening agent is used in conjunction with an inorganic water-soluble salt or organic additive such as phthalic acid, salicylic acid or their salts.

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