Abstract: Methods of stimulating a well comprising providing a stimulation fluid comprising at least one surfactant and submicron particles, the submicron particles having a particle size between about 200 nm and about 800 nm and a specific surface area greater than about 5 square meters per gram; and introducing the stimulation fluid into a wellbore. Additional methods to enhance oil recovery from subterranean reservoirs accessible via a well are described.

Abstract: Proppants for use in fractured or gravel packed/frac packed oil and gas wells are provided with a contaminant removal component to remove one or more of the contaminants found in subterranean water/hydrocarbon from a production well. The water/hydrocarbon cleaning proppant solids may be used as discrete particles in a proppant formulation, as a coating on proppant solids in pores of a porous proppant solid or as part of the proppant's internal structure. The contaminant removal component removes contaminants, especially dissolved contaminants, in the subterranean water or hydrocarbon before the water/hydrocarbon leaves the well. For those contaminant removal components that can be regenerated, such as ion exchange resins, a measured quantity of an acidic regeneration solution can be injected into the fractured stratum for regeneration and recovered when the well resumes production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for consolidating an underground formation with a consolidating mineral. The consolidating material is a carbonate and is produced from an alkaline treatment fluid containing, in at least some embodiments, environmentally friendly and inexpensive components. In one embodiment, the process can be applied to consolidation of an underground formation during or following drilling. The present invention also provides a treatment fluid suitable for use in such processes.

Abstract: A well fluid including: (i) an oleaginous continuous phase; (ii) an N-acyl amino acid alkylamide; and (iii) a solid particulate. A method of treating a portion of a well with a particulate, the method including the steps of: (A) forming the well fluid; and (B) introducing the well fluid into the well. In addition, the N-acyl amino acid alkylamide affords an invert emulsion with a high OWR ratio, that is, greater than 40% oil by volume, for example, 70:30. The invert emulsion has a low viscosity, but can still suspend gravel. In a gravel packing application, the low viscosity of the invert emulsion fluid eliminates the need to break the emulsion during flow-back.

Abstract: A downhole fluid comprises a base fluid, for example a hydrocarbon base fluid, and a gelling agent. The gelling agent has an aromatic core of one or more aromatic rings, the gelling agent having two or more amide branches distributed about the aromatic core, each of the two or more amide branches having one or more organic groups. An example gelling agent is a pyromellitamide gelling agent. The pyromellitamide gelling agent may have the general formula of: with R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 each being a hydrogen or an organic group. Methods of use and composition are discussed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of synthesis of anionic surfactants by alkoxylation of a Guerbet alcohol (GA) having 12 to 36 carbon atoms using butylene oxide, and optionally propylene oxide and/or ethylene oxide followed by the incorporation of a terminal anionic group are described herein. The GA of the present invention is made by a facile and inexpensive method that involves high temperature base catalyzed dimerization of alcohols with 6 to 18 carbon atoms. The large hydrophobe ether surfactants of the present invention find uses in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications where it is used for solubilization and mobilization of oil and for environmental cleanup. Further, the hydrophobe alkoxylated GA without anionic terminal group can be used as an ultra-high molecular weight non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides chemical compositions useful for minimizing or preventing the precipitation of sludge, such as asphaltenes, maltenes, or similar asphaltic components, during an acidizing treatment. Methods for preventing or minimizing sludge formation are also disclosed. The anti-sludge compositions can be added to an aqueous acidic solution before injecting the solution into a well for treatment. The compositions can include a formulated dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, a cationic surfactant, a corrosion inhibitor, and an iron reducing agent, in addition to other additives.

Abstract: A novel thermophilic bacterium is provided, which has a 16S rDNA sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO. 1. The thermophilic bacterium excretes extracellular proteins having excellent metal-ion binding ability, being useful in the treatment of boiler equipment, pipelines, geothermal wells or industrial wastewater or hard water.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance of fracturing processes in oil production fields may rely on polymer coated particles carried in the fracturing fluid. The particles may include heavy substrates, such as sand, ceramic sand, or the like coated with polymers selected to absorb water, increasing the area and volume to travel more readily with the flow of fluid without settling out, or allowing the substrate to settle out. Ultimately, the substrate may become lodged in the fissures formed by the pressure or hydraulic fracturing, resulting in propping open of the fissures for improved productivity.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a nonionic surfactant and a method of providing the nonionic surfactant, where the nonionic surfactant is soluble in carbon dioxide and is used as part of a dispersion for enhanced crude oil recovery. The nonionic surfactant can be part of an emulsion that includes carbon dioxide and a diluent.

Abstract: A gravel packing fluid and method for brine-sensitive formations. The fluid comprises an invert oil emulsion compatible with oil based drilling fluids and having a suspension agent comprising polyurea and dimer diamine. The fluid is capable of carrying gravel yet has a viscosity less than 100 cp, often eliminating the need for an emulsion breaker during flow-back of the fluid to the well surface after deposition of gravel in the well.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a coupling agent, a hardenable resin and a hardening agent into the wellbore wherein the coupling agent comprises a multihydroxy phenyl, a dihydroxy phenyl, a trihydroxy phenyl, ascorbic acid, a hydroxymethylnaphthol, an oxidation product thereof, a derivative thereof, or combinations thereof. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising a coupling agent, a hardenable resin, a hardening agent and a proppant wherein the coupling agent comprises a multihydroxy phenyl, a dihydroxy phenyl, a trihydroxy phenyl, ascorbic acid, a hydroxymethylphenol, a hydroxymethylnaphthol, an oxidation product thereof, a derivative thereof, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of converting an inactive biocide into an active biocide comprises: contacting the inactive biocide with an activating agent, wherein the activating agent is capable of chemically reacting with the inactive biocide; and causing or allowing a chemical reaction to take place between the inactive biocide and the activating agent, wherein the chemical reaction produces the active biocide. The methods can also include deactivating the active biocide via a chemical reaction between the active biocide and a deactivating agent.

Abstract: A proppant includes a particle and a hybrid coating disposed about the particle. The particle is present in an amount of from about 90 to about 99.5 percent by weight based on the total weight of the proppant and the hybrid coating is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 10 percent by weight based on the total weight of the proppant. The hybrid coating comprises the reaction product of an isocyanate component and an alkali metal silicate solution including water and an alkali metal silicate. A method of forming the proppant includes the steps of providing the particle, the isocyanate composition, and the alkali metal silicate solution. The method also includes the steps of combining the isocyanate composition and the alkali metal silicate solution to react and form the hybrid coating and coating the particle with the hybrid coating to form the proppant.

Abstract: Coacervate gels having excellent shear viscosities and other properties are made with anionic or cationic polymers, a smaller amount of a surfactant having a charge opposite that of the polymer, and a hydrophobic alcohol and an effective amount of a phosphorus-containing compound sufficient to increase the viscosity of coacervate gels up to 3 times as compared to the gels in the absence of the phosphorus-containing compound. The Zeta Potential of the gel is maintained at an absolute value of at least 20. Optional gel promoting additives include betaines and amine oxides. A preferred gel comprises poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a lesser amount of sodium lauryl sulfonate, and lauryl alcohol. The gels are particularly useful in well drilling fluids and well fracturing fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluids useful for subterranean operations, and more particularly, to fluorosurfactants useful for the reduction of water blocks, gas blocks, and/or gas condensates and their associated treatment fluids and methods. Provided is a method of treating a subterranean formation. The Method may comprise contacting the subterranean formation with a fluorosurfactant. The fluorosurfactant may comprise an amine group, wherein the amine group comprises at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a fluoroalkyl group, a fluoroalkenyl group, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one substituent comprises about 3 carbons to about 22 carbons. Also provided are polymeric surfactants and treatment fluids that comprise fluorosurfactants.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that include a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising the steps of providing a carrier fluid comprising degradable balls that comprise a carboxylic acid, a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid salt, a fatty ester, a fatty acid salt, or a combination thereof, and introducing the carrier fluid to the subterranean formation during a treatment.

Abstract: A breaker fluid may include a base fluid; and an inactive chelating agent. A process may include pumping a first wellbore fluid comprising an inactive chelating agent into a wellbore through a subterranean formation; and activating the inactive chelating agent to release an active chelating agent into the wellbore.

Abstract: Trivalent-ion chelating agents may be useful in mitigating the formation aluminum and ferric precipitates in subterranean formations during acidizing operations. An acidizing operation may include introducing an acidizing fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the acidizing fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, an acid source, and a trivalent-ion chelating agent, e.g., hydroxamates, 6,7-dihydroxyquinoline, 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinones, and any combination thereof. In some instances, trivalent-ion chelating agents with a pKa of less than about 7 may be particularly useful in acidizing operations.

Abstract: Formulation for a natural product as a replacement for the use of traditional acidic chemical stimulation methods for the emulsification, removal and release of paraffin and asphaltenes from low producing or pumped off wells and reservoirs with the use of traditional methodologies. Also a method of use of formulation for stimulating an oil well consisting of introducing into the wellbore a biodegradable, non-reactive fluid system containing a water-miscible fatty acid solvent, a solution of fatty acids, an amino alcohol, and at least one non-ionic surfactant. The fluid system may be further in the form of a nanoemulsion that is formed by combining a colloidal solution with one or more emulsifiers, an alcohol, and water. The fluid system may be used in well remediation and stimulation as well as additional, alternative applications such as the cleaning of surface and/or downhole equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of quaternary polyamines having formula (I) for the recovery of oil from reservoirs formula (I), wherein n>=1 R1 represents H, CH3, CH2CH3, CnH2n+1 R2 represents H2CHOHCH2, CH2, CH2CH?CH2 R3 represents CH3, CH2CH3, CnH2n+1 R4 represents CH2, CH2CH?CH2 when R2 and R4 are allyl group, they can jointly form aliphatic cyclic structures, the ratio between the carbon atoms and nitrogen atoms (C/N) ranges from 2 to 30.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functional fluid compositions containing antioxidants, and specifically stable compositions containing antioxidants with limited solubility in and/or limited compatibility with the functional fluids with which they are used. In particular the present invention deals with functional fluids used in internal combustion engines, such as engine oils, and antioxidants containing a phenolic or benzoic group, where the antioxidant is present in the functional fluid composition at levels that would otherwise cause the composition to be unstable and/or hazy.

Abstract: Biocidal compositions and their use in aqueous media, such as metalworking fluids, the compositions comprising a biocidal agent; and a non-biocidal primary amino alcohol compound of the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined herein.

Abstract: Chemical compounds that are N-lauroyl amino acids or derivatives thereof were found to have oil-releasing activity. Solutions containing these compounds may be introduced into oil reservoirs or onto oil-contaminated surface sites to release oil from oil-coated surfaces. The released oil may be recovered for further processing or waste disposal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to long lasting crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having cationic sites as well as labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a target zones in the reservoirs and when the heat and/or a suitable pH in the reservoir cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the cationic sites in the polymer adsorb to negative sites of the rock in the formation, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery. However, many other uses are possible.

Abstract: A method of recovering crude oil from a subterranean hydrocarbon-containing formation, comprises the steps: i) injecting into said formation an enhanced oil recovery composition comprising a) a surfactant having the general formula: R1-X—R2, wherein R1 is an open chain sugar alcohol, wherein X is one selected from NH, NCH3 and NCH2CH3, and wherein R2 is an aliphatic or aromatic group comprising at least 5 carbon atoms, b) water, and ii) recovering the crude oil, typically from one or more production wells. One advantage is that the composition is natural product-based. It has superior emulsification, wetting and dispersion capabilities. The composition functions well under heat, pressure, high salinity and high water hardness. The starting materials of the surfactant are renewable and inexpensive. The surfactant is non-toxic and degradable.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a snake-in-cage composition; and placing the wellbore servicing fluid into a wellbore wherein the snake dissociates from the cage and enters one or more permeable zones within the wellbore. A wellbore treatment composition comprising a snake disposed within a cage wherein the cage comprises a crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluids useful for subterranean operations, and more particularly, to fluorosurfactants useful for the reduction of water blocks, gas blocks, and/or gas condensates and their associated treatment fluids and methods. Provided is a method of treating a subterranean formation. The method may comprise contacting the subterranean formation with a fluorosurfactant. The fluorosurfactant may comprise an amine group, wherein the amine group comprises at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a fluoroalkyl group, a fluoroalkenyl group, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one substituent comprises about 3 carbons to about 22 carbons. Also provided are polymeric surfactants and treatment fluids that comprise fluorosurfactants.

Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers and methods for making same. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having anionic sites and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid and a cationic crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the particle on degradation of the labile crosslinker and exposure of the anionic sites so as to form a gel. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into target zone and when the heat and/or suitable pH of the target zone cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and the particle expands, the cationic crosslinker crosslinks the polymer to form a gel, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds comprising three hydrophobic groups as additives to a stream of crude oil containing carboxylic acids, in particular naphthenic acids, and salt water, to prevent the formation of calcium carboxylates when the fluid is exposed to shear forces. Preferably, the compounds are added to a crude oil/water stream containing organic acids Ca2+ ions at a point between the well and the pressure reduction valve in the crude oil receiving station.

Abstract: A gelled organic-based fluid system and method of forming and using the system. The fluid system is prepared by gelling an organic solvent, a viscoelastic surfactant, and a nitrogen compound having a free electron pair such as urea in an amount effective to both increase viscosity and increase a rate of breaking the viscosity, relative to the gelled system without the nitrogen compound. In a further aspect, the method is used to treat a well penetrating a subterranean formation, for example, in a coiled tubing cleanout, or the like.

Abstract: Solid, particulate dicarboxylic acids may be fluid loss control agents and/or viscosifying agents for viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluids in treatments such as well completion or stimulation in hydrocarbon recovery operations. The fluid loss control agents may include, but not be limited to, dodecanedioic acid, undecanedioic acid, decanedioic acid, azelaic acid, suberic acid, and mixtures thereof having a mesh size of from about 20 mesh to about 400 mesh (about 841 to about 38 microns). A mutual solvent or a blend of at least two alcohols subsequently added to the aqueous viscoelastic surfactant treating fluid will at least partially dissolve the solid, particulate dicarboxylic acid fluid loss control agents, and optionally also “break” or reduce the viscosity of the aqueous viscoelastic surfactant treating fluid.

Abstract: Glycine is an organic compound that can be used in the making of a synthetic acid that obviates all the drawbacks of strong acids such as hydrochloric acid. The new compound is made by dissolving glycine in water, in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1 to 1:1.5. The solution is mixed until the glycine is essentially fully dissolved in the water. Once dissolution is complete, hydrogen chloride gas is dissolved in the solution to produce the new compound, which can be referred to as hydrogen glycine.

Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery formulation composition containing a sacrificial agent and a surfactant dispersed in a fluid is provided. The sacrificial agent reduces the amount of surfactant required to enhance oil recovery from a petroleum-bearing formation. The sacrificial agent is selected from the group consisting of a compound comprising a single carboxylic acid, a single carboxylic acid derivative, or a single carboxylate salt, or a compound lacking a carboxylic acid group, a carboxylate group, a sulfonic acid group, or a sulfonate group that is a pheol, a sulphonamide, or a thiol, or a compound having a molecular weight of 1000 or less that comprises one or more hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a modified friction reducer into the wellbore. A modified friction reducer comprising a degradable polymer having functional degradable moieties, a polymer having a molecular weight of from about 5M to about 30M, a polymer having a PDI of from about 1.0 to about 2.5, a weakly crosslinked polymer, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor composition and method of inhibiting corrosion on a surface in an oil or gas application is disclosed and claimed. The corrosion inhibitor includes at least one fatty acid; at least one alkanolamine; at least one alkylamine; and at least one organic sulfonic acid. The method of inhibiting corrosion includes on a surface in an oil or gas application comprises contacting an effective dosage of the corrosion inhibitor with the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a composition and method of inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in a fluid comprising water, gas, and optionally liquid hydrocarbon comprising adding to the fluid an effective anti-agglomerant amount of the following formula and optionally salts thereof: wherein each R1 is independently absent, C1-C10 alkyl, benzyl, or H; wherein R2 is C1-C10 alkyl; wherein R3 C1-C10 alkyl; and wherein R4 is C4-C22 alkyl or alkenyl.

Abstract: A method of treating a medium for water fracturing is disclosed, the method comprises: introducing at least one biocide and at least one metabolic inhibitor in the medium, using the medium for water fracturing. In another aspect a method of controlling the post-fracture reservoir souring by the metabolic activities of sulfate reducing bacteria of a well is described: at least one biocide and at least one metabolic inhibitor are introduced in a medium made of water, the medium is used for fracturing the well, and the medium remains in the reservoir to kill and/or inhibit growth of sulfate reducing bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for oil recovery from a reservoir which comprises the following phases: a) injecting a volume of a micro (nano)-structured fluid with released control of barrier substances into at least a portion of an underground reservoir containing oil, said micro (nano)-structured fluid comprising an aqueous dispersion of microcapsules composed of a core comprising a modifying substance of the absolute permeability of the rock formation which houses said reservoir, a protective shell insoluble in water which coats said core; b) clogging the porous intergranular spaces of said rock formation with said modifying substance with a reduction or inhibition of the absolute permeability of said rock formation, c) recovering said oil from the remaining portion of said reservoir by the further injection of a displacing fluid, preferably water.

Abstract: A novel thermophilic bacterium is provided, which has a 16S rDNA sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO. 1. The thermophilic bacterium excretes extracellular proteins having excellent metal-ion binding ability, being useful in the treatment of boiler equipment, pipelines, geothermal wells or industrial wastewater or hard water.

Abstract: The present invention is a cryogenic subterranean fracturing fluid, comprising a liquefied industrial gas and a first additive. The liquefied industrial gas may be liquefied carbon dioxide, liquefied nitrogen, or a blend of the two. The liquefied industrial gas mixture should be substantially free of water. In this context, substantially free of water means less than 10% water by volume, or preferably less than 5% water by volume. In addition to the first additive, a proppant may be added to the fracturing fluid. In addition to the biocide and/or proppant additional additives may be added to the liquefied industrial gas as required. Non-limiting examples of such additives include ozone, a friction reducer, an acid, a gelling agent, a breaker, a scale inhibitor, a clay stabilizer, a corrosion inhibitor, an iron controller, an oxygen scavenger, a surfactant, a cross-linker, a non-emulsifier, a Ph Adjusting agent, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method comprising: providing at least one encaged treatment chemical that comprises a treatment chemical and a polymer carrier; placing the encaged treatment chemical into a portion of a subterranean formation; and allowing the treatment chemical to diffuse out of the encaged treatment chemical and into a portion of the subterranean formation or an area adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A composition including HCl, urea, complex substituted keto-amine-hydrochloride, an alcohol, an ethoxylate, and a ketone is provided for performing hydraulic fracturing or oil or gas wells, solubilizing calcium carbonate, or lowering salt and bicarbonate levels in irrigation systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the application of geminals zwitterionics liquids based on bis-N-alkyl or bis-N-alkenyl or N-cycloalkyl or N-aryl bis-beta aminoacids or its salts thereof as wettability modifiers of rocks such as limestone, dolomite, sand, quartz or heterogeneous lithologies, in the presence of brines with high content of divalent ions such as calcium, magnesium, barium and strontium, high temperature and pressure in processes of enhanced oil recovery. Wettability modifier comprises a geminal zwitterionic liquid based on bis-N-alkyl or bis-N-alkenyl or N-cycloalkyl or N-aryl bis-beta aminoacids or its salts, using as solvent distilled or brine with a high content of divalent ions such as calcium and magnesium or organic solvents compounds derived from alcohols like methanol, ethanol, isopropanol or mixtures thereof, or aromatic as isomers of xylene, toluene, or diesel, gasoline or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A treatment fluid for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is formed from water, a polyacrylamide in an amount of less than about 0.5% by weight of the fluid for reducing friction of the fluid and a stabilized peroxide breaker. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is carried out by forming treatment fluid comprising water, a polyacrylamide in an amount of less than about 0.5% by weight of the fluid for reducing friction of the fluid and a stabilized peroxide breaker. The treatment fluid is introduced into the formation through the wellbore at a pressure above the fracture pressure of the formation.

Abstract: A composition and method are disclosed. The composition includes a carrier fluid and a solids mixture combined to form a slurry, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes, wherein a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume-average median size at least three times larger than the volume-average median size of a second PSD mode such that a packed volume fraction of the solids mixture exceeds 0.75, and wherein the solids mixture comprises a degradable material and includes a reactive solid. The method includes circulating the slurry through a wellbore to form a pack in a fracture and/or a screen-wellbore annulus; degrading the degradable material to increase porosity and permeability of the pack; and producing a reservoir fluid through the permeable pack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants and the manufacture of proppants by contacting a substrate with an alkali-activated composition that cures to form a continuous polymer coating.

Abstract: A stable polysaccharide particle suspension composition comprising: a carrier; an activator solvent comprising a) at least one dibasic methyl or ethyl ester; b) at least one compound of the formula R3OOC-A-CONR4R5 (IIa), wherein R3 represents a C1-C36 alkyl group; wherein R4 and R5 individually represents a C1-C36 alkyl group, wherein R4 and R5 can optionally together form a ring; and wherein A is a linear or branched divalent C2-C6 alkyl group; or c) a combination a) and b); an organo clay compound; and optionally, a surfactant; the composition being stable and capable of suspending polysaccharide particles. Slurries of polysaccharide particles in such suspension composition and methods of making the compositions and the slurries.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising at least in part shale formation, comprises providing a carrier fluid; providing a particulate blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 100 and 2000 microns and a second amount of particulates having a second average particle size between about three and twenty times smaller than the first average particle size, such that a packed volume fraction of the particulate blend exceeds 0.75; combining the carrier fluid and the particulate blend into a fracturing slurry; fracturing the formation with the fracturing slurry to create at least a fracture; and removing the second amount of particulates from the fracture.

Abstract: A well treatment composition is formed from a fluid mixture of a viscoelastic surfactant and a liquid carrier fluid. The fluid mixture has rheological properties wherein the mixture exhibits shear-thickening behavior when the shear rate is increased from a first shear rate to a second higher shear rate. The fluid mixture may further include a shear activation additive that interacts with the viscoelastic surfactant to facilitate the shear-thickening behavior. The method is accomplished by introducing the fluid mixture into a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation. In certain applications, the fluid mixture may be recycled by bringing the fluid mixture to the surface and reintroducing the fluid into the same or a different wellbore.