Compositions and methods for controlling the release of chemicals placed on particulates

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for creating and using particulate materials having treating agents absorbed thereon and coated with a degradable coating material. One embodiment of a method of the present invention provides a method treating to a subterranean formation comprising placing a coated, treated particulate into a subterranean formation wherein the coated, treated particulate comprises a particulate material having a treating agent placed thereon and a substantially complete layer of a degradable coating material coated placed thereon over the treating agent.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations, and more specifically, to improved methods for creating and using particulate materials having treating agents absorbed thereon and coated with a degradable coating material.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Particulate materials are often introduced into subterranean zones in conjunction with fracturing and sand control treatments.

[0005] A subterranean formation may be treated to increase its conductivity by hydraulically fracturing the formation to create one or more cracks or “fractures.” Such hydraulic fracturing is usually accomplished by injecting a viscous fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to cause the formation to break down and produce one or more fractures. The fracture or fractures may be horizontal or vertical, with the latter usually predominating, ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0012] The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations, and more specifically, to improved methods for creating and using particulate materials having treating agents absorbed thereon and coated with a degradable coating material.

[0013] In the methods and compositions of the present invention, treating agents are adsorbed onto a particulate material, such as proppant or gravel, for introduction into a subterranean formation. In certain embodiments of the present invention, once the treating agents are adsorbed onto a particulate material, the particulate material is coated with a degradable coating material that temporarily shields the chemical from the fluids present in the subterranean formation until at least a portion of the coating degrades away, at which point the treating agent is exposed to the fluids in the subterranean formation and begins to be released. When a coated and treated particulate is mixed with a liquid such as a ...

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations, and more specifically, to improved methods for creating and using particulate materials having treating agents absorbed thereon and coated with a degradable coating material.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Particulate materials are often introduced into subterranean zones in conjunction with fracturing and sand control treatments.

[0005] A subterranean formation may be treated to increase its conductivity by hydraulically fracturing the formation to create one or more cracks or “fractures.” Such hydraulic fracturing is usually accomplished by injecting a viscous fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to cause the formation to break down and produce one or more fractures. The fracture or fractures may be horizontal or vertical, with the latter usually predominating, ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0012] The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations, and more specifically, to improved methods for creating and using particulate materials having treating agents absorbed thereon and coated with a degradable coating material.

[0013] In the methods and compositions of the present invention, treating agents are adsorbed onto a particulate material, such as proppant or gravel, for introduction into a subterranean formation. In certain embodiments of the present invention, once the treating agents are adsorbed onto a particulate material, the particulate material is coated with a degradable coating material that temporarily shields the chemical from the fluids present in the subterranean formation until at least a portion of the coating degrades away, at which point the treating agent is exposed to the fluids in the subterranean formation and begins to be released. When a coated and treated particulate is mixed with a liquid such as a ...