Fracturing subterranean formations using micellar dispersions

Claim 2

The process of claim 1 wherein propping agent is incorporated within the micellar dispersion.

Claim 3

The process of claim 1 wherein the viscosity of the micellar dispersion is monitored by varying the relative concentration of hydrocarbons, aqueous medium, and/or surfactant of the micellar dispersion.

Claim 4

The process of claim 4 wherein the viscosity is monitored by varying the selection of particular hydrocarbon, aqueous medium or surfactant employed.

Claim 5

The process of claim 4 wherein the viscosity is monitored by additionally incorporating a selected amount of cosurfactant into the micellar dispersion.

Claim 6

The process of claim 4 wherein the viscosity is monitored by additionally incorporating a selected amount of electrolyte into the micellar dispersions.

Claim 7

The process of claim 1 wherein the viscosity of the micellar dispersion is between about 100 and about 2,000 centipoises at ambient temperature.

Claim 8

The process of claim 1 wherein the injection pressure of the micellar dispersion is within the range of about 500 to about 5, 000 p.s.i.

Claim 9

The process of claim 1 wherein the aqueous medium concentration within the micellar dispersion is about 1 to about 70 percent by volume.

Claim 10

The process of claim 1 wherein e aqueous medium concentration within the micellar dispersion is about 1 to about 50 percent by volume.

Claim 11

The process of claim 1 wherein the hydrocarbon is crude oil or a partially refined fraction of crude oil.

Claim 12

The process of claim 1 wherein the surfactant is an alkylaryl naphthenic sulfonate having an average equivalent weight of about 350 to about 520.

Claim 13

A process of hydraulically fracturing a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation penetrated by at least one injection means comprising injecting into the formation at a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation, a micellar dispersion comprised of hydrocarbon, about 1 to about 50 percent by volume aqueous medium at least 4 percent surfactant having an average equivalent weight within the range of about 350 to about 520 and the micellar disPersion having a viscosity of at least about 10 cp. at ambient temperature, thereby fracturing the formation.

Claim 14

The process of claim 14 wherein the equivalent weight of the sulfonate is within the range of about 90 to about 460.

Claim 15

The process of claim 14 wherein the micellar dispersion contains cosurfactant and/or electrolyte. 17. The process of claim 14 wherein the micellar dispersion contains propping agents.

Claim 16

The process of claim 17 wherein the micellar dispersion contains about 0.1 to about 5 lbs. of the propping agent per gallon of the micellar dispersion.

Claim 17

The process of claim 14 wherein the micellar dispersion is designed to have a viscosity within the range of about 100 to about 2,000 cp. at ambient temperature.