US3640343A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stabilization of hard shaly formations with alkali metal silicate
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
•
Filing: 1970-05-20
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Granted: 1972-02-08
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Expires: 1990-05-20
Abstract
Abstract An improved method for stabilizing hard shaly earth formations comprising treatment of said formations with a low viscosity fluid consisting of an aqueous liquid containing a minor amount of a water-soluble alkali metal silicate having a pH in the range of from about 11 to about 12 and preferably between about 11.1 and 11.4.
Inventors
- 👤 Henry C H Darley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 02:33
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/02; C09K8/04; C09K8/05; C09K8/56; C09K8/57; C09K8/572; C09K8/60; C09K8/607
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the solution contains between 5 and 15 percent of sodium silicate 40 Be'' solution, the ratio of Na2O:SiO2 being between 1:3 to 1:4 respectively, and the pH of the solution being between 11.1 and 11.4.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the base of the solution is water.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the water contains NaCl.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the water contains a mixture of NaCl and NaOH.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the water contains a mixture of NaCl and an alkali metal carbonate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the base of the solution is brine.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
111 words
An improved method of stabilizing a hard shaly earth formation being drilled comprising: a. preparing a drilling fluid of an aqueous solution of 5-15 percent by weight of sodium silicate having a ratio of Na2O: SiO2 of 1:3 to 1:4, respectively, having a viscosity of less than 2 centipoise and a pH of 11.1-11.4 and; b. injecting drilling solution (a) via a drill hole into a hard shaly earth formation while maintaining the pressure on the solution in excess of that within the earth formation so that the solution penetrates into and coats with siliceous coating the interstices in the formation and thereby effects a stabilization and resistance to water damage.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the aqueous solution contains a small amount of NaCl.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the aqueous solution contains a small amount of acid.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2131338A
Cited
US2146693A
Cited
US2353230A
Cited
US3168139A
Cited
US3259189A
Cited
US3375872A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-07 | 1975-08-09 | 1976-02-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-07 | 1979-08-09 | 1980-02-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-07 | 1983-08-09 | 1984-02-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |