Methods of fracturing subterranean formations
US6306800A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S507/933
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The improved recovery of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations by fracturing and matrix acidizing a subterranean formation is accomplished. Well treatment fluids having a viscoelastic surfactant fluid containing worm like micelles are useful to improve recovery of hydrocarbons and limit the loss of fracturing fluid into the formation fracture face. The viscolastic surfactant-based fracturing fluids of the present Invention are stable across a wide pH spectrum, allowing them to be used for fracturing treatments at low pH, as well as matrix acidizing treatments. In addition, the stability of these fluids is enhanced in the presence of organic anions. Two-stage fracturing treatments comprised of a viscoelastic surfactant-based fracturing fluid and a polymer-based system, wherein the two fluids are either blended or pumped into the formation sequentially (the polymer last) are also presented.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.