Method for using and transporting a non-emulsified organic peroxide-containing composition

Abstract

A method of using an organic peroxide containing composition as a gel breaker and a method of transporting the composition is disclosed, wherein the composition has a freeze point less than or equal to −10° C. and a diluent which contains water and an organic solvent selected from ethylene glycol, methanol, ethanol and 1-propanol. During shipment, the amount of available oxygen in the composition is less than or equal to 1 weight percent.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a method of using and transporting a non-emulsified well treating composition.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In hydraulic fracturing, a fracturing fluid is injected into a wellbore under high pressure. Once the natural reservoir pressures are exceeded, the fracturing fluid initiates a fracture in the formation. The fracture usually continues to grow during pumping. Typically, treatment design requires the fracturing fluid to reach maximum viscosity as it enters the fracture since this affects fracture length and width. The fracturing fluid may include a proppant; the proppant being placed within the produced fracture. The proppant remains in the produced fracture to prevent the complete closure of the fracture and to form a conductive channel extending from the wellbore into the formation.[0003]Viscosity affects the fluid's ability to place proppant within the produced fracture. In addition, fluid viscosity influences fracture g...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Since the organic peroxide containing composition is typically used in locations where ambient temperature conditions are less than 0° C., the diluent typically contains a suitable freeze point depressing solvent. The choice of freeze point depressing solvent may be made based on such factors as cost, effect on degradation rate of the peroxide, anticipated shelf life, degree of freeze point depression required and the effect of the solvent on the overall safety hazard of the diluted product. Typically, the breaker composition requires a freeze point which is at least less than or equal to −10° C. In preferred embodiments, the freeze point may be less than or equal to −20° C. and in many cases less than or equal to −40° C. The breaker composition exhibits an available oxygen content of less than 1 weight percent and principally exists in a non-emulsified state.

Problems solved by technology

Once the natural reservoir pressures are exceeded, the fracturing fluid initiates a fracture in the formation.

Typically, treatment design requires the fracturing fluid to reach maximum viscosity as it enters the fracture since this affects fracture length and width.

However, no teaching is provided on the transport, storage and / or use of the product in cold weather environments.

Dilution of water soluble organic peroxides with only water as diluent is unsuitable since the resulting composition is unacceptable for use at sub-freezing conditions.

Further, the difficulty in using organic peroxides in breaker compositions is compounded by stringent storage and transport regulations.

Peroxides are typically prone to violent decomposition initiated by such external factors as mechanical agitation, friction and / or heat.