Patent US3687200A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3687200A
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Method for controlling flow of aqueous fluids in subterranean formations
Assignee: Dow Chemical Co
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Filing: 1970-06-08
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Granted: 1972-08-29
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Expires: 1990-06-08
Abstract
Abstract The formation of colloidal, water-insoluble, inorganic compounds in the presence of high-molecular-weight organic polyelectrolytes in dilute aqueous solution provides aqueous compositions having improved resistance to flow through porous subterranean formations. The use of these compositions provides a method for diminishing or shutting off water production in oil wells, for controlling the mobility of aqueous fluids in zones of higher permeability in such formations and for plugging subsurface leaks as in earthen dams. This method provides a useful adjunct in the control of thief zones in oil well drilling and in secondary recovery of petroleum by water flooding techniques.
Inventors
- 👤 Willis G Routson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 06:36
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/60; C09K8/84; C09K8/86; C09K8/88; C09K8/887; C09K17/00; C09K17/40; C09K17/48; E; E02; E02B; E02B3/00; E02B3/16; E21; E21B; E21B33/00; E21B33/10; E21B33/13; E21B33/138; E21B43/00; E21B43/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
46 words
The method for controlling mobility of aqueous fluids in subterranean formations which comprises injecting into a porous subterranean formation through a well bore penetrating said formation an aqueous colloidal dispersion of a water-insoluble, inorganic compound prepared in an aqueous solution of a synthetic organic polymeric polyelectrolyte.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
46 words
The method for controlling mobility of aqueous fluids in subterranean formations which comprises injecting into a porous subterranean formation through a well bore penetrating said formation an aqueous colloidal dispersion of a water-insoluble, inorganic compound prepared in an aqueous solution of a synthetic organic polymeric polyelectrolyte.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the polymeric polyelectrolyte is employed at a concentration of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 percent by weight of the solution.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the water-insoluble, inorganic compound is employed at a concentration of from about 0.5 part by weight to about 80 parts by weight per million parts by weight of finished dispersion composition.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the water-insoluble, inorganic compound is a sulfide of iron, nickel, copper, mercury, zinc, cadmium, cobalt, tin or lead or a hydroxide of aluminum, chromium, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, copper, tin or zinc.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 4 wherein the polymeric polyelectrolyte employed is a polyacrylamide or hydrolyzed polyacrylamide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the polymeric polyelectrolyte is polyacrylamide or a hydrolyzed polyacrylamide.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the aqueous colloidal dispersion is introduced into the subterranean formation through a well bore penetrating said formation and forced toward at least one other well bore penetrating said formation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the inorganic compound is aluminum hydroxide and the polymeric polyelectrolyte is a hydrolyzed polyacrylamide.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the inorganic compound is chromium hydroxide and the polymeric polyelectrolyte is a hydrolyzed polyacrylamide.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the colloidal dispersion is emplaced along the upstream face of an earthen dam and injected into porous passages in said dam by the pressure of the water contained therein.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3013607A
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US2990881A
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US3530937A
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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) | 1975-08-29 | 1976-02-28 | 1976-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-29 | 1980-02-28 | 1980-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-29 | 1984-02-28 | 1984-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |