Encapsulated Breaker for Aqueous Polymeric Fluids

Abstract

Persulfates are commonly used as breakers for aqueous fluids viscosified with guar or cellulose derivatives. These breakers are necessary to minimize permeability damage to proppant packs at temperatures where there is little thermal degradation of the polymers. Unfortunately, dissolved persulfates are much too reactive, even at moderate temperatures (140 to 200{degrees} F), to be used at concentrations sufficient to degrade concentrated, high-molecular-weight polymers thoroughly. Technology described in this paper was used to produce a delayed breaker. The breaker is prepared by encapsulating ammonium persulfate (APS) with a water-resistant coating. The coating shields the fluid from the breaker so that high breaker concentrations can be added to the fluid without causing the premature loss of fluid properties, such as viscosity or fluid-loss control. Critical factors in the design of encapsulated breakers (such as coating barrier properties, release mechanisms, and reactive chemical properties) are discussed. The effects of encapsulated breaker on fluid rheology were compared for several encapsulated persulfates.