E - Fixed Constructions – 21 – B
Patent
E - Fixed Constructions
21
B
E21B 43/22 (2006.01) C09K 8/60 (2006.01) C09K 8/62 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 2360459
It has been discovered that fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of a biochemical agent, such as bacteria, fungi, and/or enzymes. The biochemical agent may directly attack the VES itself, or some other component in the fluid that produces a by-product that then causes viscosity reduction. The biochemical agent may disaggregate or otherwise attack the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. The biochemical agent may produce an enzyme that reduces viscosity by one of these mechanisms. A single biochemical agent may operate simultaneously by two different mechanisms, such as by degrading the VES directly, as well as another component, such as a glycol, the latter mechanism in turn producing a by-product (e.g. an alcohol) that causes viscosity reduction. Alternatively, two or more different biochemical agents may be used simulta- neously. In a specific, non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant can have its viscosity broken with bacteria such as Enterobacter Colacae, Pseudomonas Fluorescens, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, and the like.
Baker Hughes Incorporated
Sim & Mcburney
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