Subterranean fluids containing suspended polymer bodies

Abstract

An aqueous suspension of polymer bodies is made by coalescing polymer from a flowing aqueous solution. These suspended bodies may be fibrous in appearance. However, the coalescence of the polymer bodies may be controlled to produce shapes. The coalesced polymer bodies are used for treating a downhole location within or accessed by a borehole. The bodies may be formed by coalescence at the surface and then pumped downhole or may be formed by coalescence downhole. Coalescence of polymer may result from crosslinking, complexing with material of opposite charge, or change in the polymer solution temperature, pH, solute concentration or solvent. The coalesced polymer bodies are maintained in aqueous solution after coalescence, and are not removed from solution for strengthening.

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