Plugging and sealing subterranean formations
US10053613B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K2208/10
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A subterranean formation sealant includes a mixture of an aqueous colloidal dispersion including silica nanoparticles and a C6-C12 fatty acid. Heating the sealant above 70° C. initiates gelation of the sealant. Sealing an opening in a water or gas producing zone in a subterranean formation includes providing a sealant including a mixture of a colloidal dispersion including silica nanoparticles and a C6-C12 fatty acid to the water or gas producing zone, initiating gelation of the sealant in situ, and solidifying the sealant in the water or gas producing zone to yield a set gel, thereby sealing the opening in the water or gas producing zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.