Multicomponent mixtures for use in geological exploration

US6022833A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien · DE

Inventors

• Heinz Mueller · Monheim, DE
• Claus-Peter Herold · Mettmann, DE
• Thomas Foerster · Goldkronach, DE
• Stephan von Tapavicza · Erkrath, DE
• Johann F. Fues · Grevenbroich, DE
• Marcus Claas · Hilden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 18, 1997
• Grant date: Feb 8, 2000
• Expiry date: Sep 18, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C09K8/36
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to flowable and pumpable multicomponent mixtures based on a multiphase mixture of water and oil containing emulsifiers and, if desired, other soluble, emulsifiable and/or dispersible auxiliaries for their use in exploration by drilling and/or for the further treatment of the wells thus drilled. The invention is characterized by the use of emulsifiers or emulsifier systems which, in the particular multicomponent mixture in question, lead to temperature-controlled phase inversion at a phase inversion temperature (PIT) in a temperature range of which the upper limit is so far below the working temperature of the multicomponent mixture in geological exploration that the water-based part of the multicomponent mixture is present as a disperse (invert) phase in the continuous oil phase (w/o invert emulsion) while the lower limit of this temperature range enables the multicomponent mixture to be converted into an o/w emulsion with a continuous aqueous phase. At least partly nonionic emulsifiers or emulsifier systems with a PIT of 0 to 100.degree. C. are particularly suitable. The invention enables the requirements in regard to technical performance, ecological compati…