US3710863A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Treatment of formations containing fresh-water swelling clays
Assignee: Mobil Oil AS
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Filing: 1970-12-28
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Granted: 1973-01-16
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Expires: 1990-12-28
Abstract
Abstract This specification discloses a method of treating subterranean formations that contain fresh-water swelling clay materials and oil and water. A solution of metal halide salt, wherein the metal has an atomic weight of more than 24, dissolved in a miscible solvent is injected into the formation via a well communicating with the surface and penetrating the formation. This solution may be injected into the formation either prior to, concurrent with, or subsequent to the injection of an aqueous fluid into the formation.
Inventors
- 👤 W Webster
- 👤 J Messenger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 00:25
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/60; C09K8/607
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a sufficient amount of said solution is injected into said formation to displace said oil and water from the vicinity of said well.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said miscible solvent is butyl Cellosolve and said salt is calcium chloride present in an amount within the range of from 5 grams per liter of butyl Cellosolve to the solubility limit of calcium chloride in butyl Cellosolve.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of recovering oil from a subterranean formation containing fresh-water swelling clay materials and oil and water, said formation being penetrated by a well, comprising: injecting via said well into said formation an essentially water-free solution of a miscible solvent having dissolved therein a metal halide salt wherein the metal has an atomic weight of more than 24, whereby the swelling of said clay particles is mitigated; injecting via said well an aqueous fluid into said formation; and recovering oil from said formation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said metal halide salt is selected from the class consisting of divalent and trivalent metal halide salts and mixtures thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 4 wherein a sufficient amount of said solution is injected into said formation to displace said oil and water from the vicinity of said well.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said miscible solvent is butyl Cellosolve and said salt is calcium chloride which is present in an amount within the range of from 5 grams per liter of butyl Cellosolve to the solubility limit of calcium chloride in butyl Cellosolve.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of recovering oil from a subterranean formation containing fresh-water swelling clay materials and oil and water, said formation being penetrated by a well, comprising: injecting via said well into said formation an essentially water-free solution of butyl Cellosolve having dissolved therein calcium chloride in a concentration within the range of from 5 grams per liter of butyl Cellosolve to the solubility limit of calcium chloride in butyl Cellosolve, said solution being injected in an amount sufficient to displace said oil and water from the vicinity of said well; injecting via said well steam into said formation; and recovering oil from said formation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1976-01-16 | 1976-07-17 | 1977-01-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-16 | 1980-07-17 | 1981-01-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-16 | 1984-07-17 | 1985-01-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |