Abstract: The addition of fibrous mixtures in intimate mixtures with particulates for fracturing and gravel packing decreases or eliminates the undesirable flowback of proppant or formation fines while stabilizing the sand pack and lowering the demand for high polymer loadings in the placement fluids. Fibers are useful for forming a porous pack in the subterranean formation. In some cases, channels or fingers of void spaces with reduced concentrations of proppant may be introduced into the proppant pack.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, relates to a fluid loss control additive or composition comprising a granular starch composition and fine particulate mica, in specified proportions. The invention further comprises a fracturing fluid containing a starch composition and mica, in a specified ratio. In yet a third embodiment, the invention comprises a method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a borehole, comprising injecting into the borehole and into contact with the formation, at a rate and pressure sufficient to fracture the formation, a fracturing fluid containing starch and mica, in specified ratios, and in an amount sufficient to provide fluid loss control.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, relates to a fluid loss control additive or composition comprising a granular starch composition and fine particulate mica, in specified proportions. The invention further comprises a fracturing fluid containing a starch composition and mica, in a specified ratio. In yet a third embodiment, the invention comprises a method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a borehole, comprising injecting into the borehole and into contact with the formation, at a rate and pressure sufficient to fracture the formation, a fracturing fluid containing starch and mica, in specified ratios, and in an amount sufficient to provide fluid loss control.

Abstract: The crosslinking of galactomannan gum fracturing fluids by borate ion is delayed for high-temperature applications by encapsulating the boron with a polymer coating. The crosslink-delay time is further adjusted by varying the concentration of an organic polyol. The polyol also acts as a stabilizer for the crosslinked fluid at elevated temperatures. Low pumping friction pressures are achieved by the delay in the crosslinking with the boron available at high temperatures to add high-temperature stability to the fracturing fluid at temperatures ranging up to about 350.degree. F.

Abstract: The present process permits the use of more efficient, low viscosity fluids to efficiently perforate and fracture a subterranean formation in an overbalanced condition in the wellbore.

Abstract: The addition of fibrous mixtures in intimate mixtures with particulates for fracturing and gravel packing decreases or eliminates the undesirable flowback of proppant or formation fines while stabilizing the sand pack and lowering the demand for high polymer loadings in the placement fluids. Fibers are useful for forming a porous pack in the subterranean formation. In some cases, channels or fingers of void spaces with reduced concentrations of proppant may be introduced into the proppant pack.

Abstract: The crosslinking of galactomannan gum fracturing fluids by borate ion is delayed for high-temperature applications by encapsulating the boron with a polymer coating. The crosslink-delay time is further adjusted by varying the concentration of an organic polyol. The polyol also acts as a stabilizer for the crosslinked fluid at elevated temperatures. Low pumping friction pressures are achieved by the delay in the crosslinking with the boron available at high temperatures to add high temperature stability to the fracturing fluid at temperatures ranging up to about 350.degree. F.

Abstract: An improved method of mixing a fracturing fluid slurry concentrate comprising a hydrophobic solvent base (e.g., diesel No. 2) and a dispersed hydratable polymer (e.g., hydroxypropyl guar) on a real time basis thus continuously producing a fully hydrated fracturing fluid during the actual fracturing of a subterranean earthen formation. Viscosity rise times of less than 5 minutes are achieved in a continuous operation without the use of large volume storage/hydration tanks, employing primarily conventionally necessary pumps.

Abstract: Improved fracturing processes are described which use novel aqueous hydraulic fracturing fluids. The fluids comprise: (a) an aqueous medium, and (b) a thickening amount of a thickener composition comprising (i) a water-soluble or water-dispersible interpolymer having pendant hydrophobic groups chemically bonded thereto, (ii) a nonionic surfactant having a hydrophobic group(s) that is capable of associating with the hydrophobic groups on said organic polymer, and (iii) a water-soluble electrolyte. Additionally, the fluids preferably contain a stabilizing amount of a thiosulfate salt. As an example, an interpolymer of acrylamide and dodecyl acrylate was used in combination with a nonionic surfactant (HLB of about 10 to about 14) to thicken a dilute aqueous solution of KCl and sodium thiosulfate; the aqueous solution had excellent properties for use as a high temperature hydraulic fracturing fluid.

Abstract: An aqueous based slurry is described comprising (1) a thickened water-based carrying fluid, (2) a particulate solid, e.g., gravel, and (3) a resin system comprising an epoxy resin and a novel crosslinking agent. The cross-linking agent is a polymethylene polyphenylamine bearing one or more silane groups of the formula--CH.sub.2 CH(OH)CH.sub.2 O--C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 alkylene --Si(OR').sub.3,wherein each R' independently is hydrogen or lower alkyl. This pumpable slurry is suitable for use in emplacing a permeable, consolidated gravel pack between the casing of a well and an incompetent subterranean formation. The slurry is easily formed on site by merely blending the components in an appropriate ratio using conventional equipment.

Abstract: A compound containing an aromatic or .alpha.-carbonyl enediol functional group is effectively employed as a breaker for the gelled aqueous carrier fluid in aqueous epoxy resin slurries of the type suitable for use in emplacing a permeably consolidated particulate mass in communication with a permeable subterranean formation.

Abstract: An aqueous based slurry is disclosed containing an aqueous carrier fluid, an epoxy resin, a curing agent for the resin, a solvent for said resin and curing agent, a finely divided particulate material, a particular quaternary ammonium halide, and a coupling agent to promote bonding of the resin to the particulate. Optionally, the slurry may contain a thickening or gelling agent for the water to enhance its solids carrying capacity and an agent to break the gel after its purpose has been served. The slurry, suitable for use in placing a permeable, consolidated gravel pack adjacent an incompetent subterranean formation, is characterized in that it does not require an oil-based carrier and also in that it can easily be prepared in the field by adding the particulate directly to the aqueous carrier without precoating the particulate with the resin.

Abstract: An aqueous based slurry is disclosed containing an aqueous carrier fluid, a chelating agent, an epoxy resin, a curing agent for the resin, a solvent for said resin and curing agent, a finely divided particulate material, a quaternary ammonium halide, and a coupling agent to promote bonding of the resin to the particulate. Optionally, the slurry may contain a thickening or gelling agent for the water to enhance its solids carrying capacity and an agent to break the gel after its purpose has been served. The slurry, suitable for use in placing a permeable, consolidated gravel pack adjacent an incompetent subterranean formation, is characterized in that it does not require an oil-based carrier and also in that it can easily be prepared in the field by adding the particulate directly to the aqueous carrier without precoating the particulate with the resin.

Abstract: An aqueous based slurry is disclosed containing an aqueous carrier fluid, an epoxy resin, a curing agent for the resin, a solvent for said resin and curing agent, a finely divided particulate material, a particular quaternary ammonium halide, and a coupling agent to promote bonding of the resin to the particulate. Optionally, the slurry may contain a thickening or gelling agent for the water to enhance its solids carrying capacity and an agent to break the gel after its purpose has been served. The slurry, suitable for use in placing a permeable, consolidated gravel pack adjacent an incompetent subterranean formation, is characterized in that it does not require an oil-based carrier and also in that it can easily be prepared in the field by adding the particulate directly to the aqueous carrier without precoating the particulate with the resin.