Solid Zirconium-Based Cross-Linking Agent and Use in Oil Field Applications
AssigneeDorf Ketal Speciality Catalysts, LLC
InventorDonald Edward PUTZIG
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Abstract
A solid zirconium cross-linking agent is prepared comprising zirconium and hydroxyalkylated ethylene diamine ligand. Use of the cross-linking agent in compositions for oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones is also disclosed.
Claims19
A method for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation comprising introducing into a subterranean formation at a flow rate and pressure sufficient to create, reopen and/or extend a fracture in the formation, (a) an aqueous liquid;
- (b) a buffer;
- (c) a cross-linkable organic polymer;
- and (d) a solid zirconium-hydroxylated ethylenediamine cross-linking agent.
A method for plugging a permeable zone or leak in a subterranean formation comprising introducing into said zone or said leak, (a) an aqueous liquid;
- (b) a buffer;
- (c) a cross-linkable organic polymer;
- and (d) a zirconium cross-linking agent, wherein the cross-linking agent is prepared by process comprising (1) contacting a zirconium complex with a hydroxyalkylated ethylenediamine in an alcohol solvent to produce a mixture wherein the mole ratio of hydroxyalkylated ethylenediamine to zirconium is in the range of 0.5:1 to 1.5:1;
- (2) adding water to the mixture in an amount of 0.1 to 5.2 moles of water per mole of zirconium;
- (3) maintaining the product of step (2) for a sufficient period of time for the product to reach equilibrium;
- and (4) removing the alcohol from the product of step (3) to form a solid zirconium cross-linking agent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.