US5060727A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for improving enhanced recovery of oil using surfactant-stabilized foams
Assignee: Petroleum Recovery Institute
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Filing: 1990-01-02
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Granted: 1991-10-29
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Expires: 2010-01-02
Abstract
Abstract A process is provided for enhancing the recovery of oil in a subterranean formation. The process involves injecting a surfactant-containing foam having oil-imbibing and transporting properties. A foam having such properties is selected either by determination of the lamella number or by micro-visualization techniques.
Inventors
- 👤 Laurier L. Schramm
- 👤 Conrad Ayasse
- 👤 Karin Mannhardt
- 👤 Jaromir Novosad
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 18:33
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/60; C09K8/92; C09K8/94; C09K8/58; C09K8/594; G; G01; G01N; G01N13/00; G01N13/02; G01N2013/0241; G01N2013/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A process for enchanced oil recovery from a subterranean oil-bearing formation wherein a foam is utilized to reduce and control the mobility of a subsequently injected gaseous displacement fluid, comprising: selecting a surfactant-containing foam which is functional both to imbibe and transport an oil phase in the formation to thereby enhance the recovery of oil; and injecting the selected foam into the formation, either as preformed foam or by alternate injections of surfactant solution and gas.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A process for enchanced oil recovery from a subterranean oil-bearing formation wherein a foam is utilized to reduce and control the mobility of a subsequently injected gaseous displacement fluid, comprising: selecting a surfactant-containing foam which is functional both to imbibe and transport an oil phase in the formation to thereby enhance the recovery of oil; and injecting the selected foam into the formation, either as preformed foam or by alternate injections of surfactant solution and gas.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
In a secondary process for the recovery of oil from a subterranean oil-bearing formation wherein a drive fluid is utilized to flood the formation the improvement which comprises: selecting a surfactant-containing foam which is functional to both imbibe and transport oil; and injecting the selected foam into the formation as the drive fluid, either as a preformed foam or by alternate injections of surfactant solution and gas.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
67 words
In a secondary process for the recovery of oil from a subterranean oil-bearing formation wherein a drive fluid is utilized to flood the formation the improvement which comprises: selecting a surfactant-containing foam which is functional to both imbibe and transport oil; and injecting the selected foam into the formation as the drive fluid, either as a preformed foam or by alternate injections of surfactant solution and gas.
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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) | 1994-10-28 | 1995-04-29 | 1995-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-10-28 | 1999-04-29 | 1999-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-10-28 | 2003-04-29 | 2003-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |