US5055209A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reduction of the viscosity of solutions viscosified with Xanthan gum polymers
Assignee: Osca Inc
•
Filing: 1989-05-01
•
Granted: 1991-10-08
•
Expires: 2009-05-01
Abstract
Abstract The viscosity of Xanthan gum polymer solutions is reduced by the addition of hydrogen peroxide and adjustment of the pH of the solution to at least 8.0.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth L. Bridges
- 👤 Kerry L. Kalinski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:47
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/60; C09K8/84; C09K8/86; C09K8/88; C09K8/90; C08; C08B; C08B37/00; C08B37/0006; C08B37/0024; C08B37/0033; C09K8/02; C09K8/04; C09K8/14; C09K8/18; C09K8/20; C09K8/206; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S507/00; Y10S507/921
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
41 words
A process for reducing the viscosity of a drilling fluid containing Xanthan gum polymer solution comprising contacting the drilling fluid with hydrogen peroxide and adjusting the pH of the solution to a level of at least about between 8 and 10.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
41 words
A process for reducing the viscosity of a drilling fluid containing Xanthan gum polymer solution comprising contacting the drilling fluid with hydrogen peroxide and adjusting the pH of the solution to a level of at least about between 8 and 10.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process, as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pH is adjusted by the addition of a caustic agent to the drilling fluid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the caustic agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the caustic agent is potassium hydroxide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the caustic agent is sodium hydroxide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process, as claimed in claim 1, wherein about 0.01 gallons to 8.5 gallons per barrel of 30% hydrogen peroxide is utilized.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process, as claimed in claim 3, wherein about 0 to 1.5 pounds potassium hydroxide is utilized.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A process, as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pH of the drilling fluid is adjusted to the range of about 8 to about 10 upon addition of hydrogen peroxide.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
A process for reducing the viscosity of a drilling fluid in a wellbore, the drilling fluid containing Xanthan gum polymer said process comprising injecting hydrogen peroxide into the drilling fluid and adjusting the pH of the drilling fluid in the wellbore to at least about 8-10.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
A process for reducing the viscosity of a drilling fluid in a wellbore, the drilling fluid containing Xanthan gum polymer said process comprising injecting hydrogen peroxide into the drilling fluid and adjusting the pH of the drilling fluid in the wellbore to at least about 8-10.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pH of the drilling fluid is adjusted by the addition of a caustic agent.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the caustic agent is chosen from the group comprising sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the caustic agent is sodium hydroxide.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the caustic agent is potassium hydroxide.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
A process, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pH of the solution is adjusted to the range of about 8 to about 10 upon addition of hydrogen peroxide into the wellbore.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
70 words
In a method of completion or workover of wells wherein a high density viscous fluid is injected into the well to exert sufficient pressure to control the well hydrostatic pressure, the viscous fluid including Xanthan gum polymer as a thickening agent, the improvement comprising: adding hydrogen peroxide to the viscous fluid and adjusting the pH of the fluid to at least 8-10 to decrease the viscosity of the viscous fluid.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
70 words
In a method of completion or workover of wells wherein a high density viscous fluid is injected into the well to exert sufficient pressure to control the well hydrostatic pressure, the viscous fluid including Xanthan gum polymer as a thickening agent, the improvement comprising: adding hydrogen peroxide to the viscous fluid and adjusting the pH of the fluid to at least 8-10 to decrease the viscosity of the viscous fluid.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement of claim 15 in which said adjusting of the pH comprises adding a caustic agent to the viscous fluid.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement of claim 16 in which said adjusting of the pH comprises adding sodium hydroxide.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement of claim 16 in which said adjusting of the pH comprises adding potassium hydroxide.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-10-07 | 1995-04-08 | 1995-10-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-10-07 | 1999-04-08 | 1999-10-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-10-07 | 2003-04-08 | 2003-10-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |