| abstract |
Fracturing of a subterranean formation may be achieved using a hydrogel. A preferred gel is formed from a gel precursor formulation which comprises an aqueous formulation of poly(1,4-di(4-(N-methylpyridinyl))-2,3-di(4-(1-formylphenyl)butylidene), poly (vinyl alcohol) and a suitable proppant, in the presence of an acid catalyst. The gel may be prepared at the surface with a viscosity of greater than 200 cp measured at 100 s −1 and then injected into the subterranean formation under high pressure to fracture the formation. |