Patent ID: 8043996
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: C09K,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A process for treating an underground formation, which process comprises: (a) introducing into the underground formation a micellar dispersion comprising water, one or more organic acid precursors, one or more surfactants and, optionally, one or more salts, co-surfactants and/or organic liquids that are not organic acid precursors; and (b) allowing (i) the micellar dispersion to solubilise hydrocarbons, emulsions or water blocks present in the underground formation, and (ii) at least a portion of the organic acid precursor to hydrolyse in-situ, thereby producing sufficient organic acid so that substantive dissolution occurs of acid soluble material present in or adjacent to filter cakes or other damage in the underground formation.