Method for Time-Controlled Release of Breakers by Use of Breakers Encapsulated Within Membranes Containing Water Soluble Polymers

摘要

Fracturing fluids (or fracking fluids) used to enhance hydrocarbon extraction for subterranean rock formations may impede the recovery of the targeted hydrocarbons. Thus, it is common practice to inject a breaker into the subterranean rock formation to reduce the viscosity of the fracking fluids. The chemicals used to reduce the viscosity, called breakers, need to act after the fracking fluids have opened the pores in the subterranean rock formations, but before hydrocarbon extraction is hindered. A novel method for controlling the release of the breakers is disclosed. This method comprises encapsulating the breakers within a capsule consisting essentially of water-soluble polymer components and water-insoluble polymer components. The water-soluble polymer component dissolves controllably by fluids within the well, allowing the breakers to react with the fracking fluids.