Polymeric compositions and methods for use in well applications
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsGary P. Funkhouser, Keith A. Frost
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Abstract
The present invention relates to improved methods and compositions for performing well completion or remedial procedures in subterranean zones having temperatures below about 70.degree. F. or above about 170.degree. F. The methods basically include the steps of introducing into the zone an aqueous solution of a polymerizable monomer, a polymerization initiator and a low temperature polymerization activator or a high temperature polymerization inhibitor. Thereafter, the polymerizable monomer is allowed to polymerize in the zone.
Claims20
An improved method of sealing or plugging a subterranean zone having a temperature above about 170.degree. F. comprising the steps of:
- introducing into said zone an aqueous solution of a polymerizable monomer, an azo polymerization initiator and a polymerization inhibitor which functions in the absence of oxygen to extend the induction period of said solution selected from the group of phenothiazine and N-nitrosophenylhydroxylamine and its salts which is present in said aqueous solution in an amount in the range of from about 0.001% to about 0.1% by weight of said solution;
- and
- allowing said polymerizable monomer to polymerize in said zone thereby forming a sealing or plugging gel therein.
An improved method of sealing or plugging a subterranean zone having a temperature above about 170.degree. F. comprising the steps of:
- introducing into said zone an aqueous solution comprising a crosslinking multi-functional vinyl monomer selected from the group of glycerol dimethacrylate and diacrylate, ethoxylated and propoxylated glycerol dimethacrylate and diacrylate, ethoxylated and propoxylated glycerol trimethacrylate and triacrylate, ethoxylated and propoxylated trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate and triacrylate, ethoxylated and propoxylated pentaerythritol di, tri and tetra methacrylate and acrylate, methylene-bis-acrylamide and methacrylamide, polyethylene and polypropylene glycol dimethacrylate and diacrylate, allylmethacrylate and acrylate and mixtures thereof, an azo polymerization initiator and a polymerization inhibitor which functions in the absence of oxygen to extend the induction period of said solution;
- and
- allowing said crosslinking monomer to polymerize in said zone thereby forming a sealing or plugging gel therein.
An improved polymeric composition for use in performing a completion or remedial procedure in a subterranean zone having a temperature above about 170.degree. F. comprising:
- water;
- a polymerizable monomer;
- an azo polymerization initiator;
- and
- a polymerization inhibitor which functions in the absence of oxygen to extend the induction period of said composition selected from the group of phenothiazine and N-nitrosophenylhydroxylamine and its salts which is present in said aqueous solution in an amount in the range of from about 0.001% to about 0.001% by weight of said composition.
An improved polymeric composition for use in performing a completion or remedial procedure in a subterranean zone having a temperature above about 170.degree. F. comprising:
- water;
- a polymerizable monomer selected from the group consisting of N-hydroxymethylacrylamide, hydroxyethylacrylate, hydroxyethylmethacrylamide, N-hydroxymethylmethacrylamide and mixtures thereof present in an amount in the range of from about 5% to about 20% by weight of said composition;
- an azo polymerization initiator selected from the group of 1-(1-cyano-1-methylethyl)azo!formamide, azodicarbonamide and 2,2'-azobis2-methyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)propionamide! present in an amount in the range of from about 0.005% to about 0.15% by weight of said composition;
- and
- a polymerization inhibitor selected from the group of phenothiazine and N-nitrosophenylhydroxylamine and its salts and is present in an amount in the range of from about 0.001% to about 0.1% by weight of said composition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.