9711781 Prud'homme Aqueous solutions of galactomannan-based natural polymers are used extensively as hydraulic fracturing fluids to enhance productivity from gas and oil wells. Chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of the galactomannan polymers is necessary to remove the polymer residue and open the fracture for oil or gas flow. For environmental and processing reasons, the use of hemicellulosic enzymes has become the preferred route for hydrolysis. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which these enzymes hydrolyze galactomannans or about the relationship among biocatalysis, physical chemistry, and rheology of these systems. The objectives of this collaborative study are to understand the physical chemistry and rheology of existing and proposed polymeric fracturing solutions during enzymatic hydrolysis at high temperatures. Results are to produce a new generation of stimulation fluids that would increase accessible oil and gas reserves, demonstrate the technological utility of a new class or termostable and thermoactive enzymes, and provide a fundamental understanding of the kinetics and mechanism of hydrolysis of galactomannan solutions and gels. ***
