US 12,291,952 B2
In-reservoir cleanup operations through exothermic reaction following a fracturing operation
Ali Abdullah Al-Taq, Dhahran (SA); Sajjad A. Aldarweesh, Dhahran (SA); and Murtada S. Al-Jawad, Dhahran (SA)
Assigned to SAUDI ARABIA, Dhahran (SA); and KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM & MINERALSN OIL COMPANY, Dhahran (SA)
Filed by SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY, Dhahran (SA); and KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM & MINERALS, Dhahran (SA)
Filed on Sep. 21, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/471,985.
Prior Publication US 2025/0101841 A1, Mar. 27, 2025
Int. Cl. E21B 43/26 (2006.01); E21B 36/00 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 43/26 (2013.01) [E21B 36/008 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
 
1. A method comprising:
providing a first fluid having a first viscosity, the first fluid comprising a polymeric thickening agent and a first salt capable of undergoing an exothermic reaction with a second salt;
introducing the first fluid into a subterranean reservoir during a fracturing period at a pressure sufficient to create or extend one or more fractures therein;
releasing the pressure after the fracturing period;
introducing a second fluid comprising the second salt into the subterranean reservoir during a cleanup period;
wherein the first fluid and the second fluid each excludes an acid that initiates the exothermic reaction between the first salt and the second salt;
wherein the first fluid contacts the second fluid in the subterranean reservoir during the cleanup period under conditions at which the first salt and the second salt undergo the exothermic reaction to generate heat; and
wherein the heat generated from the exothermic reaction breaks the polymeric thickening agent and decreases the first viscosity to a second viscosity.