Composition and method for recovering hydrocarbon fluids from a subterranean reservoir
US7888296B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K8/516
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention is directed to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles comprising hydrophobic polymers having a backbone with labile pendant groups, the microparticles having an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. Labile pendant groups on the backbone are subject to hydrolysis under a change in environmental conditions that results in expansion of the microparticle. The invention is further directed to the use of the composition for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and increasing the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.