Methods for sealing subterranean zones using foamed resin
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsDavid D. Onan, Jiten Chatterji, Roger S. Cromwell
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Abstract
The present invention provides improved foamed hardenable epoxy resin sealing compositions and methods which are particularly useful in the construction and repair of wells. The foamed epoxy resin compositions are corrosion resistant and have improved mechanical properties including elasticity and ductility.
Claims30
A method of sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore comprising the steps of:
- (a) preparing a foamed hardenable sealing composition comprising an epoxy resin, an aromatic hydrocarbon diluent, a plastic fixer, a hardening agent, a fluorocarbon surfactant foaming agent and a compressible gas;
- (b) pumping said foamed composition into said subterranean zone;
- and
- (c) allowing said foamed composition to harden in said zone.
A method of sealing a string of pipe in a well bore penetrating a subterranean zone containing corrosive fluids whereby the sealant can withstand the effects of the corrosive fluids as well as pipe movements, impacts, and shocks comprising the steps of:
- (a) introducing a foamed hardenable epoxy resin sealing composition which hardens into a corrosion resistant solid mass having elasticity and ductility into the annulus between said string of pipe and the walls of said well bore, said composition comprising,
- an epoxy resin comprised of a condensation reaction product of ephichlorohydrin and bisphenol A,
- a hydrocarbon diluent comprising one or more aromatic hydrocarbons having the formula
- C.sub.6 H.sub.2 (R).sub.4
- wherein R is hydrogen or a straight or branched chain alkyl radical having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms with at least two of the Rs being alkyl radicals, said diluent being present in an amount in the range of from about 25% to about 50% by weight of epoxy resin in said composition,
- a plastic fixer selected from the group of N-.beta.-aminoethyl-.GAMMA.-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, .GAMMA.-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and .GAMMA.-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane present in an amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of epoxy resin in said composition,
- a hardening agent selected from the group of aliphatic amines, cycloaliphatic amines, imidazoles, tertiary amines, aromatic amines and carboxylic acid anhydrides present in an amount in the range of from about 25% to about 70% by weight of epoxy resin in said composition,
- a filler selected from the group of crystalline silica having a particle size in the range of from about 10 to about 20 microns, barite, calcium carbonate amorphous silica and iron oxide having a particle size in the range of from about 2 to about 4 microns present in an amount in the range of from about 10% to about 200% by weight of epoxy resin in said composition, an effective amount of a foaming agent comprising a fluorocarbon surfactant selected from the group of a fluorinated aliphatic polymeric ester, and
- a compressible gas present in an amount sufficient to foam said composition and produce a density in the range of from about 6 to about 16 pounds per gallon;
- and
- (b) allowing said epoxy resin composition to harden in said annulus.
A method of using a foamed resin composition in a subterranean formation comprising the steps:
- preparing a foamable and hardenable epoxy resin composition comprising an effective amount of fluorocarbon surfactant foaming agent for foaming said epoxy resin composition;
- foaming said epoxy resin composition using a gas;
- pumping said foamed epoxy resin composition into the subterranean formation;
- and
- allowing said foamed epoxy resin composition to harden in the subterranean formation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.