Permeability stabilization in subterranean formations containing particulate matter
AssigneeUnion Oil Company of California
InventorsGregory S. Hewgill, David R. Watkins, Leonard J. Kalfayan
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Abstract
A method for treating a fines-containing formation to prevent the migration and/or swelling of particulate matter. The method comprises injecting into the formation water and/or steam which contains at least one water-soluble organosilicon compound. Suitable compounds include those which are not normally considered to be water-soluble, but which hydrolyze to form water-soluble materials such as silanols.
Claims29
A method for treating a water-sensitive subterranean formation which contains fine siliceous particulates, comprising injecting into the formation a non-acidic, aqueous composition which contains at least one water-soluble organosilicon compound having only one silicon atom per molecule.
A method for treating a subterranean formation which contains fine siliceous particles, comprising injecting into the formation an aqueous composition which contains steam and at least one water-soluble organosilicon compound, the organosilicon compound being capable of binding to said siliceous particles to form a polymer film thereover.
A method for treating a subterranean formation which contains siliceous fine particulates, comprising injecting into the formation a mixture of steam and at least one water-soluble organosilicon compound selected from the group consisting of organosilicon compounds which can be dissolved in water and organosilicon compounds which hydrolyze in aqueous media to form water-soluble silanols, said organosilicon compounds being capable of bonding to siliceous particles to form a polymer film thereover.
A method for treating a subterranean formation which contains fine particulates, comprising sequentially injecting into the formation:
- (a) a preflushing composition which is an aqueous scale remover;
- (b) an non-acidic, aqueous solution or steam which contains at least one water-soluble organosilicon compound selected from the group consisting of:
- (i) an organosilane having the formula:
- ##STR7## wherein X is a halogen, R.sub.1 is an organic radical having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different halogens or organic radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms;
- and
- (ii) an organosilane ester having the formula:
- ##STR8## wherein R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and R.sub.6 are independently selected from hydrogen and organic radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, provided not all of R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and R.sub.6 are hydrogen, and R.sub.7 is an organic radical having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms;
- and
- (c) an afterflush compound comprising an aqueous solution or a hydrocarbon liquid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.