Richard P Conner

US Patent:

6131661, Oct 17, 2000

Filed:

Aug 3, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/127842

Inventors:

Richard Paul Conner - Spring TX
Joseph Robert Murphey - Spring TX

Assignee:

Tetra Technologies Inc. - The Woodlands TX

International Classification:

E21B 3700

US Classification:

166300

Abstract:

A method for removing filtercake from a subterranean borehole comprising drilling the borehole with a drilling fluid that includes additives to form a filtercake having an oxidation-degradable component, preferably a polymer. The filtercake is contacted with a precursor that forms an oxidizing agent at downhole temperatures to degrade the polymers within the filtercake. Alternatively one or more catalysts for activating the precursor of an oxidizing agent is embedded within the filtercake. The catalyst activates the precursor as the precursor is flushed over the filtercake and remains in contact with the filtercake to form an oxidizing agent to degrade the oxidation-degradable agent and decompose the filtercake. The remaining particles of decomposed filtercake are then flushed away.