Clay stabilizing agent and a method of use in subterranean formations to inhibit clay swelling

US5771971A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• David Horton · Calgary, CA
• Alan L. Jones · Rue Basse-Henne, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 3, 1996
• Grant date: Jun 30, 1998
• Expiry date: Jun 3, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C09K2208/12
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Clay stabilizing agents used in fracturing fluids produce noxious odours, raise environmental concerns or are less than effective in subterranean formations of low permeability. Disclosed herein is an alternate stabilizing agent comprising at least one organic amine selected from the group consisting of primary diamines with a chain length of 8 or less and primary alkyl amines with a chain length of 4 or less. The organic amine is admixed with the fracturing fluid in an amount not less than 0.03% by volume of the fluid and typically in the range of from about 0.06% to 0.3% by volume of the fluid.