Methods of degrading subterranean filter cakes
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsBradley L. Todd, Trinidad Munoz, Jr.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to bridging agents for use in subterranean formations, to well drill-in and servicing fluids comprising such bridging agents, and to methods of using such bridging agents and well drill-in and servicing fluids in subterranean drilling operations. An example of a well drill-in and servicing fluid of the present invention comprises a viscosified fluid, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material.
Claims19
A method of degrading a self-degrading filter cake in a subterranean formation, comprising the step of:
- placing in the subterranean formation a bridging agent comprising a degradable material wherein the degradable material is selected from the group consisting of:
- anhydrous sodium tetraborate, anhydrous boric acid, a chitin, a chitosan, a protein, an orthoester, an aliphatic polyester, a poly(glycolide), a poly(lactide), a poly(ε-caprolactone), a poly(hydroxybutyrate), a polyanhydride, an aliphatic polycarbonate, a poly(orthoester), a poly(amino acid), a poly(ethylene oxide), a polyphosphazene, and combinations thereof;
- and,
- contacting the degradable material with water, releaseable water, or a combination thereof for a period of time such that the degradable material is dissolved thereby;
- wherein the filter cake was deposited within the subterranean formation by a well drill-in and servicing fluid and wherein at least a portion of the bridging agent is incorporated into the filter cake while the filter cake is deposited.
A method of degrading a self-degrading filter cake in a subterranean formation, comprising the step of:
- placing in the subterranean formation a bridging agent comprising a degradable material wherein the degradable material is selected from the group consisting of:
- an orthoester, a poly(orthoester), and combinations thereof;
- and,
- contacting the degradable material with water, releaseable water, or a combination thereof for a period of time such that the degradable material is dissolved thereby;
- wherein the filter cake was deposited within the subterranean formation by a well drill-in and servicing fluid and wherein at least a portion of the bridging agent is incorporated into the filter cake while the filter cake is deposited.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.