Viscoelastic surfactant fluids and related methods of use
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsManilal S. Dahayanake, Jiang Yang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Viscoelastic surfactant based aqueous fluid systems useful as thickening agents in various applications, e.g. to suspend particles produced during the excavation of geologic formations. The surfactants are zwitterionic/amphoteric surfactants such as dihydroxyl alkyl glycinate, alkyl ampho acetate or propionate, alkyl betaine, alkyl amidopropyl betaine and alkylimino mono- or di-propionates derived from certain waxes, fats and oils. The thickening agent is used in conjunction with an inorganic water-soluble salt or organic additive such as phthalic acid, salicylic acid or their salts.
Claims32
A method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising the step of pumping a viscoelastic fluid through a wellbore and into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation, wherein said viscoelastic fluid comprises:
- i. an aqueous medium;
- ii. a surfactant selected from the group consisting of amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof;
- and
- iii. a member selected from the group consisting of organic acids, organic acid salts, inorganic salts, and combinations of one or more organic acids or organic acid salts with one or more inorganic salts;
- wherein said fluid exhibits the property of viscoelasticity.
A method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising the step of pumping a viscoelastic fliud through a wellbore and into a subterrancean formation at a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation, wherein said visoelastic fluid comprises:
- i. a aqueous medium;
- ii. an amine oxide surfactant;
- and
- iii. an anionic surfactant containing a hydrophobe having at least 14 carbon atoms.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.