Composition and method for recovering hydrocarbon fluids from a subterranean reservoir
US7928042B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K8/588
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention is directed to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles comprising an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN). The IPN constrains the microparticle to an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. Labile cross-links in the polymers of the IPN are subject to degradation, which results in release of the expandable microparticle so that the microparticle expands. 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.