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Patent US3604508A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3604508A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Use of oil-external micellar dispersions as plugging agents in subterranean formations
Assignee: Marathon Oil Co
•
Filing: 1970-03-16
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Granted: 1971-09-14
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Expires: 1990-03-16
Abstract
Abstract Highly permeable subterranean formations are effectively blocked, e.g. against water intrusion, by injecting into the formation a micellar dispersion comprised of hydrocarbon, surfactant and aqueous medium having a viscosity of at least about 50 cp. at ambient temperature. Cosurfactants and electrolytes are also useful in the micellar dispersion to obtain desired viscosity characteristics.
Inventors
- 👤 Marion O Son Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 19:10
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the surfactant is petroleum sulfonate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the petrolEum sulfonate has an average equivalent weight within the range of about 350 to about 525.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the micellar dispersion contains cosurfactant.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the micellar dispersion contains electrolyte.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the viscosity of the micellar dispersion is at least about 500 cp. at ambient temperature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the viscosity of the micellar dispersion is at least about 1,000 cp. at ambient temperature.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
53 words
A method of blocking a highly permeable subterranean formation from intrusion of fluids, the method comprising injecting into the formation an oil-external micellar dispersion comprised of hydrocarbon, surfactant, and aqueous medium having a viscosity of at least about 50 cp. at ambient temperature and sufficient to effectively block the highly permeable subterranean formation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the surfactant is petroleum sulfonate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the petroleum sulfonate has an average molecular weight within the range of from about 350 to about 525.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the micellar dispersion contains cosurfactant.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the micellar dispersion contains electrolyte.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the viscosity of the micellar dispersion is at least about 500 cp. at ambient temperature.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the viscosity of the micellar dispersion is at least about 1,000 cp. at ambient temperature.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the blockage is permanent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the blockage is selective.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the blockage is reversible so that the blockage may be removed by introducing a dissipating liquid into the formation.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
53 words
A method of blocking a highly permeable subterranean formation from water intrusion, the method comprising injecting into the formation a combination of hydrocarbon and surfactant capable of forming a micellar dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50 cp. at ambient temperature upon contact with the connate water within the subterranean formation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the surfactant is petroleum sulfonate.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the petroleum sulfonate has an average molecular weight within the range of from about 350 to about 525.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the combination of hydrocarbon and surfactant contains cosurfactant.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the viscosity of the micellar dispersion is at least about 500 cp. at ambient temperature.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the viscosity of the micellar dispersion is at least about 1,000 cp. at ambient temperature.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-13 | 1975-03-15 | 1975-09-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-13 | 1979-03-15 | 1979-09-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-13 | 1983-03-15 | 1983-09-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |