Patent · US Expired

Thixotropic fluid for well insulation

US5677267A · kind A · utility

11Cited by
7References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 16, 1995
Grant dateOct 14, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 16, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S507/935
  • WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A thixotropic thermal insulating fluid includes a heavy hydrocarbon, water and oleophilic clay, wherein said heavy hydrocarbon is present in an amount of between about 75% to about 92% by volume of the fluid, said water is present in an amount of between about 5% to about 15% by volume of the fluid, and said oleophilic clay is present in an amount of between about 3% to about 10% by volume of the fluid. The fluid may be prepared by mixing water in an amount of between about 5% to about 15% by total volume of the fluid with oleophilic clay in an amount of between about 3% to about 10% by total volume of the fluid so as to provide a substantially homogeneous first gel product; and mixing said first gel product with a heavy hydrocarbon in an amount of between about 75% to about 92% by total volume of the fluid under agitation for a time sufficient to provide a second thixotropic gel product.

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