Methods for Forming a Permeable and Stable Mass in a Subterranean Formation

Abstract

Open-celled, porous polymer masses located in a subterranean formation formed from a water-in-oil emulsion stabilized with inorganic particles. The mass having one or more of the following properties: a gas permeability greater than about 500 millidarcies; or a plurality of pore throats connecting a plurality of pores spaces therein, the pore throats having an average diameter of at least about 25 microns. In some cases the emulsion comprises: a plurality of inorganic particulates; an internal aqueous phase in an amount of at least about 50% by volume of the emulsion; and a continuous organic phase comprising at least one polymerizable monomer and at least one surface active agent in an amount of up to about 10% by volume of the organic phase.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.