Abstract: This invention relates to enzyme compositions and methods of using these enzyme compositions, inter alia, to degrade succinoglycan. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of degrading succinoglycan comprising contacting the succinoglycan with an enzyme composition that comprises enzymes that are capable of degrading the linkages between sugar moieties of the succinoglycan.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid, and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into the well and into contact with the formation. The treatment fluid includes: (1) water; (2) a water-soluble polysaccoharide capable of increasing the viscosity of the water or a water-soluble polysaccharide and a crosslinking agent for the water-soluble polysaccharide; (3) a breaker comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of a source of chlorite ions and a source of hypochlorite ions; and (4) a breaker moderator comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of a source of magnesium ions and a source of calcium ions.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for degrading filter cake deposited in a subterranean formation are provided. These methods and compositions utilize particulates coated with acid-releasing degradable material wherein the released acid is used to degrade a filter cake.

Abstract: Methods are provided for removing filter cake containing a bridging agent soluble in a carboxylic acid salt from a formation fluids producing zone penetrated by a well bore. The methods basically comprise the steps of introducing in an aqueous carrier liquid a carboxylic acid ester and a base for slowly catalyzing the hydrolysis of the ester and forming a carboxylic acid salt therewith into the producing zone, and allowing the base to catalyze the hydrolysis of the carboxylic acid ester to form the carboxylic acid salt so that the carboxylic acid salt dissolves the bridging agent and the filter cake is removed.

Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.

Abstract: A device and a method for testing a viscosified fluid containing particulate indicate when the particulate is in suspension within the fluid and when it is not. The device and method stir the fluid and particulate mixture for a time during which the viscosity of the fluid changes such that during a first period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate remains suspended in the fluid and during a second period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate settles out of suspension in the fluid. A signal is generated during the first and second periods such that the signal has a characteristic that changes from the first period to the second period to indicate the change in particle carrying ability of the fluid. Other characteristics, including crosslinking time, can also be determined. A test chamber includes interacting projections extending from the inner surface of a cup receiving the fluid and from an axial support extending into the fluid in the cup.

Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.

Abstract: A device and a method for testing a viscosified fluid containing particulate indicate when the particulate is in suspension within the fluid and when it is not. The device and method stir the fluid and particulate mixture for a time during which the viscosity of the fluid changes such that during a first period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate remains suspended in the fluid and during a second period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate settles out of suspension in the fluid. A signal is generated during the first and second periods such that the signal has a characteristic that changes from the first period to the second period to indicate the change in particle carrying ability of the fluid. Other characteristics, including crosslinking time, can also be determined. A test chamber includes interacting projections extending from the inner surface of a cup receiving the fluid and from an axial support extending into the fluid in the cup.

Abstract: Improved hardenable resin compositions and methods of consolidating particulate solids in subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The improved hardenable resin compositions of the invention are basically comprised of a hardenable organic resin, an aminosilane resin-to-particulate solid coupling agent, a viscous carrier fluid breaker for breaking separating films of viscous carrier fluid between resin coated particulate solids and a surface active agent for causing the resin composition to flow to the contact points between resin coated particulate solids.

Abstract: Methods of controlling the rates of release of chemical additives into treating fluids are provided by the present invention. The methods are basically comprised of causing a chemical additive in liquid form to be absorbed into a porous solid material whereby the chemical additive is encapsulated thereby and when the resulting encapsulated chemical additive is combined with the treating fluid, the chemical additive is slowly released into the treating fluid. After being encapsulated, the liquid chemical additive is combined with the treating fluid and the treating fluid containing the encapsulated chemical additive is introduced into a well.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of treating subterranean formations using borate cross-linking compositions and borate cross-linked well treating fluids. The borate cross-linking compositions are basically comprised of a low viscosity hydrocarbon liquid, an organophillic clay, a slightly water soluble borate, a buffer and a dispersing agent.

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: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an encapsulated enzyme breaker and method of use in treating a subterranean formation. An encapsulated breaker is prepared by coating an enzyme on a cellulose substrate. A micron-sized particulate is admixed with the enzyme solution to prevent undesired agglomeration of the substrate. The enzyme solution coated substrate is covered with a membrane comprising a partially hydrolyzed acrylic crosslinked with either an aziridine prepolymer or a carbodiimide. The membrane contains imperfections through which an aqueous fluid may pass into the breaker to contact the enzyme and diffuse the enzyme outward from the breaker particle.

Abstract: An aqueous fracturing fluid composition and method for fracturing subterranean formations penetrated by a well bore wherein the fracturing fluid comprises a viscosity breaker that comprises a surfactant and a breaker which is solid at ambient surface conditions and dissolves at temperatures in the formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: i) fracture fluid compositions for fracturing subterranean formations to enhance production of fluids from wells in which the viscosity breaker is one or more esters or amides of the perphosphate ion, and to: ii) fracturing processes using fracture fluids comprising esters or amides of the perphosphate ion.