| abstract |
The present invention involves methods of using particulates coated with a tackifying agent that need not be used immediately once they are prepared and that provide increased viscosity when placed into an aqueous fluid. The described methods include the steps of contacting particulates with a tackifying agent to create tackified particulates; contacting the tackified particulates with a partitioning agent to form coated particulates that are capable of being stored for a time period, wherein the partitioning agent comprises a hydratable polymeric material; and, placing the coated particulates in an aqueous treatment fluid whereby the partitioning agent hydrates and increases the viscosity of the treatment fluid. |