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Title: Method of inhibiting crosslinking of aqueous xanthan gums in the presence of ferric acid ions

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6484836

The cross linking of aqueous xanthan gums in the presence of ferric ions is inhibited or prevented by adding a soluble alkanoic and/or alkenoic acid having at least 4 carbon atoms and bearing at least 2 hydroxyl groups per molecule, and/or a soluble salt of ..gamma..-lactone. This combination of ingredients forms gelled acid compositions which are useful in acidizing treatments of wells. The gelled acid compositions are viscous fluids which have increased stability against shear and thermal degradation and other properties which result in retarded reaction rates and reduced fluid leak-off during acidizing treatments of subterranean formations surrounding well bores. The aqueous gelled acids have the further advantage of inhibiting or preventing the formation of insoluble compounds, such as ferric hydroxide, during such acidizing treatments. 13 claims.

Assignee:
Dow Chemical Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 4317735
OSTI ID:
6484836
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: Filed date 18 Mar 1980
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English