Polymer delivery in well treatment applications
US8044000B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01F2101/49
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention relates to compositions and methods for treating subterranean formations, in particular, oilfield stimulation compositions and methods using water-in-water polymer emulsions to uniformly dissolve a rheologically active polymer, such as a thickener or friction reducer, in the treatment fluid. The emulsions have a low viscosity and are easily pumped for mixing into a treatment fluid, where upon dilution with an aqueous medium, the polymer is easily hydrated without forming fish-eyes. The partitioning agent in the water-in-water emulsion does not generally affect the rheology of the treatment fluid. The invention also relates to further processing of the emulsion by wet grinding, high shear mixing and/or heating to enhance the hydration rate in the preparation of the well treatment fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.