US3754599A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Use of micellar solutions to improve perforating process
Assignee: Marathon Oil Co
•
Filing: 1971-12-15
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Granted: 1973-08-28
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Expires: 1991-12-15
Abstract
Abstract A process of perforating an oil-bearing subterranean formation wherein the perforations in the reservoir are caused by a holeproducing apparatus, the improvement comprising perforating the reservoir in the presence of a micellar dispersion. The micellar dispersion can be at a pressure sufficient to cause the dispersion to displace out into the reservoir after the perforations are effected. Cleaning of the perforations, removing mud filtrates, etc., are effected with the dispersion. Where water sensitive reservoirs are perforated, an oil-external dispersion is used since it is compatible with such reservoirs.
Inventors
- 👤 J Hummel
- 👤 M Svaldi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 05:29
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/11; E21B43/119; C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/52; C09K8/528
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the micellar dispersion contains about 2 to about 70 PERCENT by volume hydrocarbon, about 5 to about 95 percent volume aqueous medium, about 4 percent to about 20 percent by volume surfactant, and optionally about 0.01 to about 20 percent by volume cosurfactant and/or about 0.001 to about 10 percent by weight, based on the aqueous medium, electrolyte.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the micellar dispersion contains an aqueous phase having a pH less than about 1.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the micellar dispersion is at a pressure sufficient to cause the micellar dispersion to disperse out into the reservoir once the perforations are effected in the reservoir rock.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 4 wherein the reservoir rock is unconsolidated sandstone.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
68 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the perforating of the oil-bearing reservoir is carried out in a portion of the well bore that is packed off from the rest of the well bore and wherein a container under a pressure less than the reservoir pressure is present and wherein upon perforating the reservoir rock, a void space within the container is permitted to be filled with reservoir liquids.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
138 words
An improved method of perforating a subterranean formation wherein a perforating tool is lowered into a well bore in communication with the reservoir and wherein the perforating tool is activated to cause perforations out into the reservoir rock, the improvement comprising carrying out the perforating process in the presence of a micellar dispersion which submerses the perforating tool therein, the micellar dispersion containing about 2 to about 70 percent by volume of hydrocarbon, about 5 to about 95 percent by volume of aqueous medium, about 4 to about 20 percent of a petroleum sulfonate having an average equivalent weight within the range of about 350 to about 525, and optionally about 0.01 to about 20 percent by volume of cosurfactant and/or about 0.001 to about 10 percent by weight, based on the aqueous medium, of an inorganic electrolyte.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 7 wherein the inorganic electrolyte is an inorganic acid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 7 wherein the micellar dispersion is oil-external.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process of claim 7 wherein the aqueous phase of the micellar dispersion contains a fluid loss agent.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 7 wherein the reservoir is an unconsolidated sandstone.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 11 wherein the micellar dispersion contains a consolidating agent to consolidate at least a portion of the unconsolidated sandstone.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
83 words
The process of claim 7 wherein at least a portion of the reservoir to be perforated is packed off from the other portion of the well bore and wherein a container having a void space and under a pressure substantially less than the reservoir pressure is present in the portion of the well bore to be perforated and also wherein the void space within the container is permitted to fill with the reservoir fluids once the perforations are effected in the reservoir rock.
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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) | 1976-08-27 | 1977-02-26 | 1977-08-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-27 | 1981-02-26 | 1981-08-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-27 | 1985-02-26 | 1985-08-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |