US3952806A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for altering permeability of a hydrocarbon-containing formation
Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Co
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Filing: 1975-06-16
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Granted: 1976-04-27
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Expires: 1995-06-16
Abstract
Abstract A method is provided for altering the permeability of a subterranean hydrocarbon-containing formation penetrated by a wellbore by removing hydrocarbons from the highly permeable portions of the formation followed by plugging of the cleaned portions of the formation with a polymeric gel. A micellar dispersion is passed into the formation followed by a solution or dispersion of a gellable polymer and a solution of aluminum citrate and the well is then closed in for a period of time sufficient for gelling the polymer in situ.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph C. Trantham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 21:42
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/50; C09K8/504; C09K8/506; C09K8/508; C09K8/512
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for altering the permeability of at least a portion of a subterranean hydrocarbon-containing formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising: 1. passing a micellar dispersion downwardly through the wellbore and outwardly into the formation; 2. passing a polymer solution having at least one contacting aluminum citrate solution downwardly through the wellbore and outwardly into the formation to a preselected location; and 3. closing the well for a period of time sufficient for gelling the polymer in situ.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for altering the permeability of at least a portion of a subterranean hydrocarbon-containing formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising: 1. passing a micellar dispersion downwardly through the wellbore and outwardly into the formation; 2. passing a polymer solution having at least one contacting aluminum citrate solution downwardly through the wellbore and outwardly into the formation to a preselected location; and 3. closing the well for a period of time sufficient for gelling the polymer in situ.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the micellar dispersion, the injected polymer solution, and aluminum citrate solution are injected into the formation at generally common pressures.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method, as set forth in claim 2, wherein the micellar solution contains an inorganic electrolyte, said inorganic electrolyte being an inorganic acid such that the pH of the aqueous phase of the micellar dispersion has a pH value in the range of about 3 to about 7.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
68 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the micellar dispersion contains about 2 to about 90 percent by volume hydrocarbon, about 2 to about 50 percent by volume aqueous medium, and about 4 to about 20 percent by volume surfactant, and optionally about zero to about 20 percent by volume cosurfactant and about zero to about 10 percent by weight based on the aqueous medium, electrolyte.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the micellar dispersion contains an aqueous phase having a pH in the range of about 3 to about 7.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing formation is oil-wet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the aqueous phase of the micellar dispersion contains a fluid loss agent.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the polymer solution comprises: the polymer present in a suitable aqueous medium.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the polymer concentration of the polymer in the polymer solution is in the range of about 200 to about 10,000 parts per million.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the aluminum citrate solution comprises aluminum citrate and water, said aluminum citrate being at a concentration in the range of about 50 to about 5000 parts per million of aluminum as aluminum citrate.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the ratio of the volume of polymer solution to volume of aluminum citrate solution is in the range of about 1.1/1 to about 1/1, for ion ratios of Al + + +/COO - of about 1/1 to about 4/1.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the volume of the micellar solution is about 2-15 percent of the pore volume to be treated.
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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) | 1979-04-27 | 1979-10-27 | 1980-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-04-27 | 1983-10-27 | 1984-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-04-27 | 1987-10-27 | 1988-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |