Choline-based crosslinker compositions for fracturing fluids

Abstract

Disclosed are compositions derived of mixtures of choline ion salts (typically choline chloride) in aqueous solution with suspended particulates of sparingly soluble borate minerals or with alkali or alkaline earth borate salts, boric acid and its ester derivatives and salts, or other aqueous soluble borate forms. These compositions are useful as cross-linkers for polysaccharides and other biopolymers and particularly as used in subterranean treatment fluids for completion and stimulation of oil and gas wells. Advantages of the compositions are the combination into a single package of the properties of clay stabilizing actives (choline ion) and crosslinking actives (borates, etc.), in relatively high concentrations, and these compositions are easy to handle, being stable and pumpable at low temperatures, and with attractive environmental profiles. Also disclosed are the analogous choline solutions mixed with metallic cross-linking ions know in the art such as Zr, Ti, Al, & Fe.