Apparatus, compositions, and methods of breaking fracturing fluids
AssigneeClearwater International, LLC, A Delaware Corporation
InventorsBarry Ekstrand, Frank Zamora, Sarkis R. Kakadjian
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Abstract
Apparatus and compositions for reducing the viscosity of a gelled fluid is provided. In one embodiment, a viscosity reducing microbe is disposed in a capsule and added to the gelled fluid. The gelled fluid may include a thickening agent adapted to increase its viscosity. Upon release from the capsule, the microbe begins to digest the thickening agent in the gelled fluid and/or releases enzymes that that breakdown the thickening agent.
Claims44
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An apparatus for reducing viscosity of a gelled fluid, comprising:
- a capsule containing a viscosity reducing microbe disposed within the capsule,
- wherein the capsule is adapted to release the viscosity reducing microbe into gelled fluid over time or in response to a change in a fluid property.
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An apparatus for reducing viscosity of a gelled fluid, comprising:
- an outer shell and
- an interior filled with a viscosity reducing microbe, where the outer shell is adapted to rupture in response to a change in a fluid property.
A fluid composition for wellbore operations, comprising:
- an aqueous fluid;
- a fluid thickener;
- and
- a capsule containing a viscosity reducing microbe,
- where the viscosity reducing microbe, once released into the fluid, is adapted to degrade the fluid thickener upon contact therewith and where the capsule is designed to release the microbe in response to a change in a fluid property.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.