Process for Using a Composition of Matter

Abstract

A process for making and using a ground product that includes the step of: forming a guar-based derivative. The process includes treating the derivative to form a ground product, and mixing the ground product into a water or slickwater stream to form a frac fluid. The process includes injecting the frac fluid into a subterranean formation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A process for using a ground hydroxypropyl guar-based product composition of matter, the process comprising:
 providing a water stream;   mixing the ground hydroxypropyl guar-based product into the water stream to form a frac fluid blend; and   injecting the frac fluid blend into a subterranean formation.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the water stream is characterized as having a salinity value in the range of about 100,000 ppm to about 300,000 ppm total dissolved solids (TDS). 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the water stream is a slickwater blend. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the ground hydroxypropyl guar-based product is formed from a reaction that comprises use of sodium hydroxide, a reagent comprising propylene oxide, and a powdered acid comprising a carboxylic acid. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 4 , wherein prior to the mixing step the ground hydroxypropyl guar-based product is in powdered form. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the ground hydroxypropyl guar-based product is characterized by at least 90% by weight of a given quantity thereof having an average particle bulk diameter less than or equal to 74 microns. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein during the mixing step the ground hydroxypropyl guar-based product is hydrated at least about 80% in about one minute or less, characterized by the water stream having a higher viscosity than the resultant frac fluid blend. 
     
     
         8 . A process for using a ground hydroxypropyl guar-based product composition of matter, the process comprising:
 providing a water stream;   mixing the ground hydroxypropyl guar-based product into the water stream to form a frac fluid blend; and   injecting the frac fluid blend into a subterranean formation,   wherein during the mixing step the ground hydroxypropyl guar-based product is dry at first but then hydrated at least about 80% in about one minute or less, characterized by the water stream having a higher viscosity than the resultant frac fluid blend.   
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 8 , wherein the water stream is characterized as having a salinity value in the range of about 100,000 ppm to about 300,000 ppm total dissolved solids (TDS). 
     
     
         10 . The process of  claim 9 , wherein the water stream is a slickwater blend comprising a polyacrylamide. 
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 8 , wherein the ground hydroxypropyl guar-based product is formed from a reaction that comprises use of sodium hydroxide, a reagent comprising propylene oxide, and a powdered acid comprising a carboxylic acid. 
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein prior to the mixing step the ground hydroxypropyl guar-based product is in powdered form. 
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 12 , wherein the ground hydroxypropyl guar-based product is characterized by at least 90% by weight of a given quantity thereof having an average particle bulk diameter less than or equal to 74 microns. 
     
     
         14 . A process for using a hydroxypropyl guar-based product, the process comprising:
 providing a water stream;   mixing the hydroxypropyl guar-based product into the water stream to form a frac fluid blend; and   injecting the frac fluid blend into a subterranean formation,   wherein during the mixing step the hydroxypropyl guar-based product is dry at first but then hydrated at least about 80% in about one minute or less, characterized by the water stream having a higher viscosity than the resultant frac fluid blend.   
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 14 , wherein the water stream comprises a salinity value in the range of about 100,000 ppm to about 300,000 ppm total dissolved solids (TDS). 
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 15 , wherein the hydroxypropyl guar-based product is formed from a reaction that comprises use of sodium hydroxide, propylene oxide, and a powdered acid. 
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 16 , wherein prior to the mixing step the hydroxypropyl guar-based product is in powdered form. 
     
     
         18 . The process of  claim 17 , wherein the hydroxypropyl guar-based product is characterized by at least 90% by weight of a given quantity thereof having an average particle bulk diameter less than or equal to 74 microns.