Oil based compositions and method for temporarily sealing subterranean zones
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsLance E. Brothers, Ronald J. Crook, Anthony V. Palmer
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Abstract
The present invention provides oil based compositions and methods of using the compositions for temporarily sealing subterranean zones. The compositions are basically comprised of oil, a hydratable polymer, an organophilic clay, a water-swellable clay, and an acid soluble material such as calcium carbonate. These compositions will form a viscous gel when contacted with water. The gelled mass may then be dissolved with an acidic fluid, such as 15% hydrochloric acid.
Claims39
A method of sealing a subterranean zone to prevent the uncontrolled flow of fluids into or from the zone comprising the steps of:
- preparing a subterranean zone temporary sealing composition comprising:
- a first component comprising oil in an amount in the range of about 32% to 62% by weight of the temporary sealing composition, the balance of the temporary sealing composition comprising a second component and a third component, wherein the second component comprises:
- a hydratable polymer, an organophilic clay, and a water-swellable clay, and the third component comprises an acid soluble material that is readily acid soluble but substantially insoluble in neutral or basic water wherein the third component is no more than about 1% by weight soluble in de-ionized water when tested at a pH of about 7, a temperature of about 212° F., and a pressure of about 1 atmosphere;
- and wherein the second component is present in an amount in the range of from about 10% to about 90% by weight of the balance of the temporary sealing composition, and wherein the third component is present in an amount in the range of from about 10% to about 90% by weight of the balance of the temporary sealing composition, and
- introducing the temporary sealing composition into the zone.
A method of sealing a subterranean zone to prevent the uncontrolled flow of fluids into or from the zone comprising the steps of:
- preparing a subterranean zone temporary sealing composition consisting essentially of:
- a first component comprising oil in an amount in the range of about 32% to 62% by weight of the temporary sealing composition, the balance of the temporary sealing composition comprising a second component and a third component, wherein the second component comprises:
- a hydratable polymer, an organophilic clay, and a water-swellable clay, and the third component comprises an acid soluble material that is readily acid soluble but substantially insoluble in neutral or basic water wherein the third component is no more than about 1% by weight soluble in de-ionized water when tested at a pH of about 7, a temperature of about 212° F., and a pressure of about 1 atmosphere;
- and wherein the second component is present in an amount in the range of from about 10% to about 90% by weight of the balance of the temporary sealing composition, and wherein the third component is present in an amount in the range of from about 10% to about 90% by weight of the balance of the temporary sealing composition, and
- introducing the temporary sealing composition into the zone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.