Patent ID: 7399732

Claim:
A fluid for fracturing a subterranean formation comprising: (i) a surfactant having the general formula where R 1 -R 2 are each an aliphatic group of C1-C4, branched or straight chained, saturated or unsaturated, R 3 is a group of C12-22, branched, straight or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated; (ii) a water soluble or dispersible anionic organic or inorganic salt; (iii) an acid; and (iv) a low molecular weight organic solvent; wherein the ratio of said salt to said surfactant is in the range of 1:4 to 1:2; wherein said acid is selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, hydrochloric acid and acetic acid; and wherein the viscosity of the fluid can be lowered by raising the pH thereof.