Methods and compositions related to gelled layers in oil and/or gas wells
AssigneeFlotek Chemistry, LLC
InventorsAngus Fursdon-Welsh, James Silas, Monica Gonzalez-Roldan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and compositions for the prevention of the formation, breakdown, and/or removal of gelled layers in an oil and/or gas well are provided. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods comprise a concentrate, as described in more detail herein, where the concentrate comprises two or more surfactants. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods comprise an emulsion or a microemulsion. The emulsion or microemulsion may include a surfactant, optionally a solvent, and optionally a freezing point depression agent or other components.
Claims18
A method of breaking down a gelled layer in an oil or gas well having a wellbore, comprising:
- injecting at least a concentrate comprising a first type of surfactant and a second type of surfactant into the wellbore,
- wherein the first type of surfactant comprises an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer;
- wherein the second type of surfactant comprises an ethoxylated quaternary ammonium compound;
- wherein the wellbore comprises the gelled layer;
- and
- wherein the gelled layer comprises a partially broken crosslinked guar polymer;
- and
- breaking down the gelled layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.