US3734183A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Polymer flooding obtained by pulse injection
Assignee: Marathon Oil Co
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Filing: 1971-06-24
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Granted: 1973-05-22
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Expires: 1991-06-24
Abstract
Abstract Secondary and tertiary recovery of crude oil via polymer injection is improved by injecting the polymer in a pulsating manner. This intermittently relieves the formation injection pressure, thereby releasing polymer entrapped in the sandstone matrix. This released polymer is effective in helping maintain mobility control throughout the completion of the polymer flood.
Inventors
- 👤 J Rhudy
- 👤 J Fullinwider
- 👤 Steeg D Ver
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:10
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/18; C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/58; C09K8/588
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the polymer solution is a high molecular weight polyelectrolyte.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the polymer solution is a high molecular weight polyacrylamide.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the polymer solution comprises a partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
94 words
In a process for producing formation fluids from an oil-bearing subterranean reservoir having at least one injection means in fluid communication with at least one production means the process comprising injecting a micellar dispersion into the formation followed by a mobility buffer and a drive medium, the improvement comprising injecting the mobility buffer in a pulsating manner to intermittently stop the injection of the mobility buffer, thereby releasing entrapped polymer from the mobility buffer and allowing this polymer to re-enter the mobility buffer solution and thereby effecting more efficient mobility control for the process.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 5 wherein the mobility buffer comprises a polymer solution.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 5 wherein the drive medium is water.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 5 wherein the mobility buffer comprises a high molecular weight polyelectrolyte.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 5 wherein the mobility buffer is comprises of a high molecular weight polyacrylamide.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 5 wherein the mobility buffer is comprised of a partially hydrolyzed, high molecular weight polyacrylamide.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-21 | 1976-11-20 | 1977-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-21 | 1980-11-20 | 1981-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-21 | 1984-11-20 | 1985-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |