Disclosed is a concentrate composition for crosslinking polysaccharide
polymers hydrated in an aqueous liquid, and well servicing fluids, preferably fracturing
fluids, prepared therewith. Preferred polysaccharide polymers are galactomannan
gums or derivatives thereof, preferably hydroxypropylguar. The concentrate comprises
an alkali metal formate solution, preferably potassium formate, a crosslinking
agent for the polysaccharide polymer, preferably a sparingly soluble alkali metal
or alkali metal alkaline earth metal borate, and a suspension agent, preferably
a clay mineral selected from the group consisting of smectite clays, palygorskite
clays, and mixtures thereof Exemplary clays are hectorite, sepiolite, and attapulgite.
The concentrate may, optionally, contain a deflocculant and/or an anti-syneresis additive.