Abstract: Provided herein are methods of using chlorate compositions to decrease the viscosity of polyacrylamide containing fluids, such as, for instance, petroleum well treatment fluids (e.g., fracturing fluids). Also provided herein are methods of treating polymer plugging in hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formations using chlorate compositions. Also provided herein are well treatment fluids comprising polyacrylamide and chlorate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bulk treatment for introduction into a hydrocarbon bearing formation, the bulk treatment comprising a volume of a treatment fluid comprising chlorine dioxide, wherein the volume is such that when the treatment fluid is introduced into a wellbore that penetrates the hydrocarbon bearing formation, the fluid is expected to extend into the formation to a radius that goes beyond the near wellbore region. Such a bulk treatment can act to draw out hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, thereby enhancing recovery of oil and/or gas. Also provided herein are mixtures comprising chlorine dioxide, water, an organic non-polar solvent, and optionally one or more additional components (e.g., an acid or chelating agent and/or a surfactant or cosolvent). The mixtures are useful for enhancing recovery of oil and/or gas and for removing residues that contain hydrocarbons. Apparatus for making the mixtures, and methods of making and using the mixtures, e.g.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of drawing out oils and/or fats (e.g., hydrocarbons) from a solid material (such as, e.g., metal or rock, e.g., a hydrocarbon bearing geologic formation). The methods comprise fumigating the solid material with a gas containing chlorine dioxide, thereby drawing out oil and/or fat from the solid material. The methods can be used, e.g., to clean solid materials used in industry and to enhance the recovery of crude oil and/or natural gas from petroleum wells.