Fracturing subterranean formations using micellar dispersion
Patent
·
OSTI ID:5518504
A problem in traditional fracturing processes is the instability of the particular fracturing agent employed. Conventional fracturing agents, such as emulsions must be substantially more viscous than water for most reservoirs before fractures can be obtained using reasonable injection pressures. Oftentimes, necessary fracturing pressures tend to lower the viscosity of the fracturing agent by molecular cleavage, emulsion breakdown, etc. These fracturing agents also tend to break down or otherwise suffer a decrease in viscosity when transported to the well site. As a result, production of the fracturing agent at the well site has been necessitated. Furthermore, storage of these fracturing fluids, whether at the well site, or elsewhere, has resulted in their breakdown, due to their inherent instability. A subterranean formation is fractured by injecting under fracturing pressures a micellar dispersion which consists of hydrocarbon, aqueous medium, and surfactant. Propping agents are useful in the dispersion. Also, the viscosity of the dispersion is designed to obtain low penetrating fluids. (19 claims)
- Assignee:
- Marathon Oil Co.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3603400
- OSTI ID:
- 5518504
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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