Viscoelastic surfactants and compositions containing same
US6506710B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S524/921
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for controlling the rheology of aqueous systems, particularly for those intended for underground use, includes injecting an aqueous viscoelastic fluid containing a surfactant gelling agent into the system. The viscoelastic surfactant composition of the invention comprises, as a gelling agent, at least one fatty aliphatic amidoamine oxide in a glycol solvent. The composition also maintains the levels of free fatty acid and free amine within critical parameters in order to achieve superior performance. The additives may be incorporated in the viscoelastic fluid to tailor its use in stimulation fluids, drilling muds, fracture fluids, and in applications such as permeability modification, gravel packing, cementing, and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.