1. n. [Enhanced Oil Recovery]

A type of organic fluid, such as acetic or formic acid, used in oil and gas well-stimulation treatments. The use of inhibited HCl at elevated temperatures is limited to relatively short exposure times because of the risk of increased corrosion. Inhibited organic acids are much less reactive with metals than are HCl or mixtures of HCl and HF. For this reason, organic acids are commonly used successfully at high bottomhole temperatures or when long contact times between acid and pipe are needed, such as during perforating. Organic acids also are used to protect exotic alloys, such as aluminum or chrome-plated parts.

See related terms: acetic acid,  formic acid