Apparatus, compositions, and methods of breaking fracturing fluids
OwnerBarry Ekstrand, Frank Zamora +1inventors
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.
Claims30
A composition for reducing viscosity of a gelled fluid, comprising:
- a first amount of a capsule containing a viscosity reducing microbe disposed within the capsule, and
- a second amount of non-encapsulated viscosity reducing microbe,
- wherein the capsule is adapted to release the viscosity reducing microbe into the gelled fluid over time or in response to a change in a fluid property to release the microbes, where the first and second amounts are adjusted to produce a desired viscosity reduction profile, and where the microbes are selected from the group of hyperthermophilic bacteria and fungi.
An composition for reducing viscosity of a gelled fluid, comprising:
- a first amount of an apparatus comprising:
- an outer shell, and
- an interior filled with a viscosity reducing microbe, and
- a second amount of non-encapsulated viscosity reducing microbe,
- where the outer shell is adapted to rupture in response to a change in a fluid property, where the first and second amounts are adjusted to produce a desired viscosity reduction profile, and where the microbes are selected from the group of hyperthermophilic bacteria and fungi.
A fluid composition for wellbore operations, comprising:
- an aqueous fluid;
- a fluid thickener;
- a first amount of an unecapsulated viscosity reducing microbe, and
- a second amount of a capsule containing a viscosity reducing microbe,
- where the capsule is designed to release the microbe in response to a change in a fluid property, where the first and second amounts are adjusted to produce a desired viscosity reduction profile, and where the microbes are selected from the group of hyperthermophilic bacteria and fungi.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.