Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Process of utilizing an enzyme or micro-organism to destroy... – Petroleum oil or shale oil treating
Reexamination Certificate
2006-05-30
2006-05-30
Prats, Francisco (Department: 1651)
Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology
Process of utilizing an enzyme or micro-organism to destroy...
Petroleum oil or shale oil treating
C435S262000, C507S101000, C507S201000, C507S129000, C507S132000, C507S240000, C507S245000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07052901
ABSTRACT:
It has been discovered that fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of a biochemical agent, such as bacteria, fungi, and/or enzymes. The biochemical agent may directly attack the VES itself, or some other component in the fluid that produces a by-product that then causes viscosity reduction. The biochemical agent may disaggregate or otherwise attack the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. The biochemical agent may produce an enzyme that reduces viscosity by one of these mechanisms. A single biochemical agent may operate simultaneously by two different mechanisms, such as by degrading the VES directly, as well as another component, such as a glycol, the latter mechanism in turn producing a by-product (e.g. an alcohol) that causes viscosity reduction. Alternatively, two or more different biochemical agents may be used simultaneously. In a specific, non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant can have its viscosity broken with bacteria such asEnterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the like.
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Baker Hughes Incorporated
Madan Mossman & Sriram P.C.
Prats Francisco
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