Ethox Chemicals, LLC

George Gregory Geib

Liquid hydrocarbons are gelled by the introduction of a phosphate ester and a crosslinking agent. Gelling times and viscosities are improved through the use of an enhancer which is, preferably, an oxyalkylated amine or a blend of an oxyalkylated amine with another amine or a non-nitrogen-containing component. Preferred phosphate esters are ether phosphate esters.

Hydrocarbon gels

The invention relates to compositions and methods for gelling liquid hydrocarbons by the introduction of certain phosphate esters, a crosslinking agent, and an enhancer. The enhancer of the present invention is preferably an oxyalkylated amine or a blend of an oxyalkylated amine with another amine or a non-nitrogen-containing component. Mixed phosphate esters containing an oxyalkylene group are useful in the practice of the invention. Gel-forming compositions for addition to liquid hydrocarbons, as well as methods for forming fracturing fluids, are encompassed. The present compositions and methods are an improvement in the field of hydrocarbon gelling, e.g., in fracturing formations, by providing more rapid gellation and greater viscosities.

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Liberty, SC, United States of America

George Gregory Geib