Abstract:
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reducing the viscosity of a viscosified treatment fluid comprising contacting the viscosified treatment fluid with an acid generated from an orthoester composition that comprises an orthoester. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reducing the pH of a viscosified treatment fluid comprising providing an orthoester composition that comprises an orthoester; contacting the viscosified treatment fluid with the orthoester composition; allowing the orthoester to generate a generated acid; and allowing the generated acid to at least partially reduce the pH of the viscosified treatment fluid. Embodiments of fracturing and gravel packing methods also are disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the delivery of a plurality of chemical components in well bore applications. More particularly, this invention relates to delivery capsules and methods of using such delivery capsules for facilitating the delivery of at least a plurality of chemical components to subterranean well bores. In one embodiment, a method of supplying chemical components to a subterranean formation comprises placing a delivery capsule having at least a first chamber comprising a first chemical component and at least a second chamber comprising a second chemical component into the subterranean formation, and allowing the first and second components to be released from the delivery capsule. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a delivery capsule for facilitating the delivery of a plurality of chemical components to a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation comprising a first chamber containing a first chemical component and at least a second chamber containing a second chemical component.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to well bore operations, and more particularly, to contained micro-particles, and methods for using such contained microparticles in cementing operations. An exemplary method of facilitating the use of microparticles in a well bore fluid comprises the steps of providing contained micro-particles, and adding the contained micro-particles to the well bore fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, the well bore fluids of the present invention comprise encapsulated micro-particles. In another exemplary embodiment, the well bore fluids of the present invention comprise pelletized micro-particles.
Abstract:
Methods and compositions for sealing subterranean zones having temperatures in the range of from about 80°F to about 300°F are provided. A method of the invention is basically comprised of the steps of providing a subterranean zone sealing composition that becomes substantially rigid when exposed to subterranean zone temperatures above about 80°F and has a pH above about 8.5 comprised of water, a substantially fully hydrated depolymerized polymer and a cross-linking agent. The sealing composition is introduced into the subterranean zone whereby it becomes rigid and seals the zone. The sealing composition can substantially be removed by contact with a fluid having a pH below about 8 when a boron compound is utilized as the cross-linking agent.