STABILIZED COLLOIDAL AND COLLOIDAL-LIKE SYSTEMS
The present invention generally relates to improved compositions comprising stabilized colloidal or colloidal-like phases (e.g., emulsions, aphrons) and methods of using those compositions. The compositions generally comprise an aqueous continuous phase, one or more viscosifiers, one or more surfactants, aphrons and one or more Aphron Stabilizers. The compositions of the present invention possess aphrons with significantly increased half-life and enhanced ability to seal permeable formations, and are capable of being used in high pressure applications.