Efficient method for subsurface treatments, including squeeze treatments
US6401816B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K8/536
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for delivering encapsulated materials to a subsurface environment, for the treatment of the subsurface environment, has the steps of: (a) loading the lumen of hollow microtubules with an active agent selected for treating the subsurface environment, where the hollow microtubules are compatible with the subsurface environment; and (b) administering the hollow microtubules to the subsurface environment, permitting the controlled release of the active agent into the subsurface environment. This method may be practiced using a slurry of hollow microtubules, where the lumen of these microtubules is loaded with an agent for the treatment of petroleum well environments, and where these loaded microtubules are dispersed in a liquid phase carrier selected from aqueous carriers, non-aqueous carriers, and emulsions of aqueous and non-aqueous materials. This method may also be practiced using a pill made of a consolidated mass of tubules loaded with one or more active agents, typically bound with a binder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.