Patent · US Active

Methods for servicing subterranean wells

US8381813B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
9References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 31, 2010
Grant dateFeb 26, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 24, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC09K8/518
  • WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Methods for controlling lost circulation in subterranean wells, and in particular, fluid compositions and methods for operations during which the fluid compositions are pumped into a wellbore, enter voids in the subterranean-well formation through which wellbore fluids escape, and form a seal that limits further egress of wellbore fluid from the wellbore. The methods include preparing a carrier fluid containing compressed expandable foam that may be encapsulated. The carrier fluid is then placed into a lost-circulation zone, whereupon the foam expands to form a barrier that minimizes or blocks further ingress of carrier fluid. Lost-circulation control may be supplemented by introducing additional lost-circulation materials, pumping a cement slurry behind the foam-containing carrier fluid or both.

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