Viscoelastic surfactant gravel carrier fluids

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A viscoelastic surfactant based gravel carrier fluid and corresponding gravel suspension slurry useful for well treatment and exhibiting improved control of complete gravel settling as a function of temperature comprising: water, an effective amount of an inorganic salt stabilizer (e.g. a potassium salt), an effective amount of an amine amine salt or quaternary ammonium salt thickening agent (e.g. the surfactant N-methyl-N,N-bis (2-hydroxyethyl) rapeseed ammonium chloride), an effective amount of an organic salt (e.g. a salicylate) and gravel (sand). Control of the gravel settling as a function of temperature is achieved by selecting the concentration of the organic salt.