Patent · US Expired

Methods and compositions for sealing subterranean zones

US6971448B2 · kind B2 · utility

24Cited by
25References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 26, 2003
Grant dateDec 6, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 27, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC09K8/512
  • WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Methods and compositions for sealing subterranean zones having temperatures in the range of from about 80° F. to about 300° F. are provided. A method of the invention is basically comprised of the steps of providing a subterranean zone sealing composition that becomes substantially rigid when exposed to subterranean zone temperatures above about 80° F. and has a pH above about 8.5 comprised of water, a substantially fully hydrated depolymerized polymer and a cross-linking agent. The sealing composition is introduced into the subterranean zone whereby it becomes rigid and seals the zone. The sealing composition can subsequently be removed by contact with a fluid having a pH below about 8 when a boron compound is utilized as the cross-linking agent.

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