| abstract |
The present invention provides a method of forming an easily pumpable gelled fluid which is capable of yielding an apparent viscosity of in excess of about 100 centipoise at a shear rate of 40 sec-1 for in excess of about six hours at a temperature in excess of 250 DEG F. An initial gel is formed by adding a selected basic aluminum compound and a phosphoric acid ester to a hydrocarbon liquid. This mixture is aged to form the initial gel and an additional quantity of a basic aluminum compound then is admixed with the initial gel. The crosslinked gel then is introduced into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to fracture the formation. |