Swellable polymers with hydrophobic groups
US8389446B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K8/887
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention is directed to crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same and their various uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles being made with 0.1-5% hydrophobic monomers and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particles mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a well and when the heat and/or pH of the target zones in the formation cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the hydrophobic groups associate to form a hydrophobically associative polymer, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.