Patent ID: 7404442
Filing Date: 2008-07-29
Classification: C09K,E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of fracturing a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore comprising the steps of: (a) injecting a fracturing fluid into a subterranean zone, said fracturing fluid comprising an aqueous solution, a gelling agent, and a self-degrading foaming composition whereby said self-degrading foaming composition comprises a mixture of anionic surfactant and nonionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises disodium lauramide monoethanol amine sulfosuccinamate; (b) adding a predetermined amount of gas to said subterranean zone to foam said fracturing fluid and form a foamed fracturing fluid; (c) contacting said subterranean zone with said foamed fracturing fluid under conditions effective to create at least one fracture therein; (d) maintaining the foamed fracturing fluid in contact with the subterranean zone for a predetermined time; and (e) recovering the foamed fracturing fluid after fracturing operations, wherein the self-degrading foaming composition forms a less stable foam when the foamed fracturing fluid is recovered after fracturing operations.