US4227575A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reservoir stabilization by treating water sensitive clays
Assignee: Texaco Inc
•
Filing: 1978-06-30
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Granted: 1980-10-14
•
Expires: 1998-06-30
Abstract
Abstract A method of treating subterranean formations containing water-sensitive montmorillonite clays by contacting the formation with an aqueous solution of nitrogen containing compounds at elevated temperatures whereby the montmorillonite is transformed into other clay minerals which are less sensitive to swelling when contacted with water.
Inventors
- 👤 Daryl W. Nooner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 18:48
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/60; C09K8/607
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of altering the matrix of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation having present therein montmorillonite clays, comprising the steps of introducing into said formation via a wellbore penetrating said formation a heated aqueous solution of an amide selected from the group consisting of urea and formamide, continuing injection of said solution until said matrix is heated to a minimum temperature of about 260° C. for a desired radial distance from said wellbore, whereby said matrix is stabilized by mineralogically altering said montmorillonite clays.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of altering the matrix of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation having present therein montmorillonite clays, comprising the steps of introducing into said formation via a wellbore penetrating said formation a heated aqueous solution of an amide selected from the group consisting of urea and formamide, continuing injection of said solution until said matrix is heated to a minimum temperature of about 260° C. for a desired radial distance from said wellbore, whereby said matrix is stabilized by mineralogically altering said montmorillonite clays.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said amide is urea.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said amide is formamide.
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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) | 1983-10-14 | 1984-04-14 | 1984-10-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-14 | 1988-04-14 | 1988-10-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-14 | 1992-04-14 | 1992-10-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |