US3965986A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for oil recovery improvement
Assignee: Texaco Inc
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Filing: 1974-10-04
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Granted: 1976-06-29
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Expires: 1994-10-04
Abstract
Abstract In a subterranean reservoir, a strata or zone of high permeability as compared to other stratas of the reservoir may be plugged by forming a solid gel in situ within the highly permeable strata. The gel plug is formed by injecting a colloidal silica suspension into the strata which is in a liquid state and contacting the suspension in situ with a surfactant. Upon mixing with the surfactant, the colloidal silica suspension forms a gel which effectively plugs the highly permeable zone blocking further fluid flow through the zone.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles A. Christopher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 19:18
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/50; C09K8/504; C09K8/5045; C09K8/58; C09K8/592; E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
50 words
A method for reducing the permeability of a subterranean strata comprising a. injecting a slug of fumed colloidal silica and water into the reservoir, and b. following the slug of fumed colloidal silica and water with a surfactant to form a gel on contact with the fumed colloidal silica slug.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
50 words
A method for reducing the permeability of a subterranean strata comprising a. injecting a slug of fumed colloidal silica and water into the reservoir, and b. following the slug of fumed colloidal silica and water with a surfactant to form a gel on contact with the fumed colloidal silica slug.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein the steps are repeated until a desired reduction in permeability is attained.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for reducing the permeability of a subterranean strata comprising a. injecting a slug of surfactant into the reservoir and b. following the slug of surfactant with a slug of fumed colloidal silica and water to form a gel on contact with the surfactant slug.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for reducing the permeability of a subterranean strata comprising a. injecting a slug of surfactant into the reservoir and b. following the slug of surfactant with a slug of fumed colloidal silica and water to form a gel on contact with the surfactant slug.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 3 wherein the steps are repeated until a desired reduction in permeability is attained.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
27 words
A method of reducing the permeability of a subterranean strata comprising contacting in situ an aqueous slurry of fumed colloidal silica and surfactant to form a gel.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
27 words
A method of reducing the permeability of a subterranean strata comprising contacting in situ an aqueous slurry of fumed colloidal silica and surfactant to form a gel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 5 wherein separate slugs of surfactant and aqueous colloidal silica slurry are introduced into a reservoir via an injection well.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method of claim 6 wherein the injection well is to be used for a steam flooding operation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 6 wherein the injection well is to be used for a water flooding operation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 5 wherein separate slugs of surfactant and aqueous colloidal silica slurry are introduced into a production well to plug water producing strata.
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) | 1979-06-29 | 1979-12-29 | 1980-06-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-06-29 | 1983-12-29 | 1984-06-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-06-29 | 1987-12-29 | 1988-06-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |