Fracturing fluid and method of use
First Claim
1. In the method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore comprising injecting an aqueous based fracturing fluid, optionally carrying a proppant, into and through said wellbore at a pressure sufficient to fracture said subterranean formation to thereby create a continuous conductive zone from the tip of the fracture back to the wellbore, the improvement consisting of adding a small but sufficient amount of an amine oxide to promote rapid cleanup of the filtrate and increase permeability of the formation to hydrocarbon fluids, said amine oxide corresponding to the formula:
- wherein R1 is an aliphatic group of from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and wherein R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms.
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Abstract
Improved aqueous fracturing fluids are disclosed that are particularly useful as well stimulation fluids to fracture tight (i.e., low permeability) subterranean formations. Gas wells treated with these fracturing fluids have rapid cleanup and enhanced well production. The fluids contain small but sufficient amounts of certain amine oxides to aid in the removal of the fracturing fluid from the formation. By facilitating the removal of fluid from the invaded zones, the amount of damage to the fracture faces in the formation is thereby minimized. The amine oxides correspond to the formula I, wherein R1 is an aliphatic group of from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and wherein R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms. The amine oxides in which R1 is an alkyl group are preferred, and those in which R1 is an alkyl group of from 8 to 10 carbon atoms and R2 and R3 are each methyl or ethyl groups are most preferred
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4 Claims
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1. In the method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore comprising injecting an aqueous based fracturing fluid, optionally carrying a proppant, into and through said wellbore at a pressure sufficient to fracture said subterranean formation to thereby create a continuous conductive zone from the tip of the fracture back to the wellbore, the improvement consisting of adding a small but sufficient amount of an amine oxide to promote rapid cleanup of the filtrate and increase permeability of the formation to hydrocarbon fluids, said amine oxide corresponding to the formula:
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wherein R1 is an aliphatic group of from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and wherein R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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Specification