US3771599A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for restricting fluid pathways through a subterranean formation zone
Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Co
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Filing: 1972-07-18
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Granted: 1973-11-13
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Expires: 1992-07-18
Abstract
Abstract This invention resides in a method for restricting fluid pathways through a subterranean formation zone. A polymerizable material capable of forming popcorn polymer is positioned in the formation zone, maintained under polymerization conditions for a time sufficient to polymerize in situ at least a portion of the material and restrict fluid pathways through the zone without exerting a force on the formation which is of greater magnitude than the magnitude required for fracturing the formation zone.
Inventors
- 👤 W Buce
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 09:15
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B33/00; E21B33/10; E21B33/13; E21B33/138; C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/50; C09K8/504; C09K8/506; C09K8/508; C09K8/5083
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
14 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the polymerizable material comprises butadiene.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the polymerizable material comprises a butadiene and styrene mixture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the polymerizable material is placed in the formation by passing said material downwardly Through a well bore and outwardly through the formation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the polymerizable material is maintained under polymerization conditions for a time sufficient to form a volume of popcorn polymer substantially not greater than the total effective porosity pore space of the zone portion desired to be restricted.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the polymerizable material is polymerized in caverns of the subterranean zone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the polymerizable material is polymerized in fractures of the subterranean zone.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the polymerizable material has popcorn polymer particles mixed therewith, said particles being insoluble in the polymerizable material, characterized by swelling upon exposure to the polymerizable material and comprising a relatively large number of methylene groups.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, including mixing lost circulation materials with the polymerizable material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method, as set forth in claim 9, wherein the lost circulation materials are one of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, natural fibrous materials, synthetic fibrous materials, or mixtures thereof.
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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) | 1976-11-12 | 1977-05-14 | 1977-11-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-12 | 1981-05-14 | 1981-11-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-12 | 1985-05-14 | 1985-11-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |