| abstract |
The invention relates to the use of dicarbonyl compounds to increase the temperature stability of biopolymers in watery, liquid phases during crude oil and natural gas exploration. The biopolymer component should preferably consist of polysaccharides produced by fermentation, such as, e.g., scleroglucane or welan gum. The watery, liquid phase typically constitutes a drilling rinse, which can also contain high salt concentrations ("brines"). Glyoxal is a particularly suitable form of dicarbonyl. Glyoxal can either be added to the liquid phase or, preferably, has already been integrated during the production phase of the biopolymer. The invention is particularly advantageous when used at rock formation temperatures of more than 250° Fahrenheit. |