Abstract: The present invention provides borate cross-linked well treating fluids and methods of preparing and using the fluids in treating wells such as fracturing subterranean zones therein. The improved cross-linked treating fluids are basically comprised of water, a hydrated galactomannan gelling agent and a borate composition for buffering the treating fluid and cross-linking the hydrated galactomannan gelling agent comprised of water, a soluble boron source and an alkanolamine or alkylamine.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore utilizing a preformed high solids content slurry is prepared and transported to the wellsite. A portion of the slurry is admixed with a treatment fluid whereby the resultant solids content of the fluid is reduced and the fluid is introduced into a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation. The high solids content slurry is substantially stable and the particulate does not substantially settle within the fluid prior to admixing with the treatment fluid thereby permitting large quantities of particulate to be rapidly admixed with a treatment fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of breaking an aqueous based viscosified fluid having potassium ions present therein with a breaker comprising an alkali metal chlorite or hypochlorite through use of a breaker activator comprising a source of ammonium ion in the aqueous fluid. The method is particularly effective in providing a controlled break in a treatment fluid introduced into a subterranean formation having a static temperature in the range of from about 100.degree. F. to about 300.degree. F. In some instances, a second breaker activator comprising a source of thioglycolate ion also may be admixed with the viscosified fluid to further accelerate breaker activation at temperatures below about 200.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation by rapidly viscosifying a normally liquid hydrocarbon. The method is accomplished by admixing (i) an alkyl orthophosphate acid ester and (ii) an alkali metal hydroxide present in an amount sufficient to at least partially neutralize said ester and (iii) a reaction product resulting from the reaction of a source of aluminum or ferric ions with a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 surface active amine solubilized in the presence of an organic solvent such as a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 monohydric alcohol with the normally liquid hydrocarbon. The mixture rapidly viscosifies to a level sufficient to transport proppant and then can be introduced into a subterranean formation to treat the formation in a desired manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of temporarily plugging or sealing a subterranean formation by introducing a rapidly viscosifying liquid hydrocarbon into the formation. The method is accomplished by admixing a first component comprising an alkyl orthophosphate acid ester and an alkali metal hydroxide present in an amount sufficient to at least partially neutralize said ester and a second component comprising an amine complex resulting from the reaction of an aqueous source of aluminum or ferric ions and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 surface active amine in the presence of a water miscible organic solvent with the liquid hydrocarbon. The mixture rapidly viscosifies to a level sufficient to temporarily plug or seal a subterranean formation or wellbore into which it is introduced.

Abstract: Methods of treating a previously fractured bacteria contaminated subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore whereby the bacteria contamination is substantially reduced or eliminated are provided. The methods basically comprise mixing a bactericide with a fracturing fluid in an amount effective to contact and kill bacteria contained in the formation and pumping the mixture into the formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to re-fracture the formation. The re-fracturing of the formation causes the bactericide to be distributed throughout the formation and to contact and kill bacteria contained therein without adversely effecting the productivity of the formation.