| abstract |
Related methods and compositions are shown to alter the physical and chemical properties of a substrate used in the exploitation of hydrocarbons, such as in oil drilling operations. In a preferred embodiment, a method includes formulating a fluid, manufactured for specific drilling conditions, containing one or more non-activated enzymes. Preferably the enzyme is not activated by encapsulation in a material that responds to pH. After the fluid has been introduced into the drilled well, one or more trigger signals, as in a pH change, is applied to the fluid that will activate or reactivate the inactive enzyme, preferably causing it to be released by the encapsulation material. The reactivated enzyme is able to act selectively on a bore hole of substrate located so that it makes the desired change in the chemical and physical properties of the substrate. |