Stimulation and selective plugging of petroleum reservoirs containing kaolinite

Abstract

Abstract Fractures or highly permeable streaks in a reservoir containing kaolinite are selectively plugged by the introduction of a solution containing a metallic salt of an organic acid. The solution attacks the kaolinite containing particles of the fractures or permeable streaks and decomposes the clay mineral bonds of the rock matrix. The decomposition process causes the walls of the pores to disintegrate and form individual grains of fine clay particles. Subsequent addition of treatment solution transposes the disintegrated particles and lodges them in the exposed pores of the fractures or permeable streaks. Further flow through the treated area is restricted and the reservoir is selectively plugged. Less permeable areas of the reservoir are somewhat stimulated by the kaolinite breakup with the dislodged clay particles from those areas seeking the more permeable channels in the reservoir and further plugging them. The reservoir is thereby both selectively plugged and stimulated by the solution treatment and the reservoir performance is enhanced.

Inventors

• 👤 Richard S Fulford

Bibliographic Details