Use of dicarbonyl compounds to increase the temperature stability of biopolymers in petroleum and natural gas exploration

摘要

The use of dicarbonyl compounds for increasing the temperature stability of biopolymers in aqueous liquid phases in petroleum and natural gas exploration is claimed. The biopolymer component is preferably fermentatively produced polysaccharides, such as. Scleroglucan or welan gum. The aqueous liquid phase is typically a drilling fluid which may also contain high salt concentrations ("brines"). A particularly suitable representative of dicarbonyls is the glyoxal. This can either be admixed to the liquid phase or, preferably, also be incorporated during the course of the preparation of the biopolymer. The use according to the invention shows its advantages, in particular at temperatures in the rock formation, which are above 250 ° Fahrenheit.