Patent ID: 6729408
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: C09K

Abstract:
In the method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore comprising injecting an aqueous based fracturing fluid, optionally carrying a proppant, into and through said wellbore at a pressure sufficient to fracture said subterranean formation to thereby create a continuous conductive zone from the tip of the fracture back to the wellbore, the improvement consisting of adding a small but sufficient amount of an amine oxide to promote rapid cleanup of the filtrate and increase permeability of the formation to hydrocarbon fluids, said amine oxide corresponding to the formula: wherein R1 is an aliphatic group of from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and wherein R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms.