Patent · US Expired

Method to improve use of polymers for injectivity profile control in enhanced oil recovery

US4899818A · kind A · utility

18Cited by
16References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 30, 1988
Grant dateFeb 13, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 30, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B43/261
  • WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method for minimizing blockage in a zone of lesser permeability when injecting gels into a formation during profile control. A solidifiable gel which comprises a hydroxyproyl guar gum containing a gel breaker is injected into the formation where it enters a zone of lesser and a zone of greater permeability. Said gel blocks pores in the zone of lesser permeability. A second solidifiable gel formed from a melamine formaldehyde resin, a crosslinkable polymer, and lacking a gel breaker is injected into the zone of greater permeability where it subsequently solidifies. Said gel contained in the zone of lesser permeability liquefies thereby unblocking this zone. Afterwards, a water-flooding enhanced oil recovery method is directed into the zone of lesser permeability.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.