Hydrocarbon recovery
AssigneeClearwater International, LLC
InventorsKevin W. Smith, Rusty R. Mackey, John H. Hallman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Low concentrations, 1–10% of potassium salt, especially potassium formate, are used in a drilling fluid in oil production. Preferably they are used with guar derivatives, most preferably carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar. The concentration of potassium formate is maintained at the desired level by adjusting the potassium formate to maintain a desired Zeta potential in the circulating drilling fluid. The potassium formate/guar derivative composition may be used in the substantial absence of hydrophilic clay additive.
Claims42
A method for treating a hydrocarbon producing formation to stabilize shale and clay therein, comprising:
- contacting the hydrocarbon producing formation with a treatment fluid containing a potassium formate concentration by weight within a range from about 1% to about 10%;
- determining a first Zeta potential of the treatment fluid;
- and
- adjusting the potassium formate concentration to maintain the treatment fluid within a Zeta potential of about −15 mV or less.
A method for treating a hydrocarbon producing formation to stabilize shale and clay therein, comprising:
- contacting the hydrocarbon producing formation with a treatment fluid containing potassium formate at a concentration by weight of about 10% or less and a capillary suction time of about 70 seconds or less;
- and
- adjusting the concentration of the potassium formate to maintain the treatment fluid within a Zeta potential of about −15 mV or less.
A method for treating a hydrocarbon producing formation to stabilize shale and clay therein, comprising:
- contacting the hydrocarbon producing formation with a treatment fluid containing potassium formate at a concentration by weight of about 10% or less and a capillary suction time of about 70 seconds or less;
- determining a first Zeta potential of the treatment fluid;
- and
- adjusting the concentration of the potassium formate to maintain the treatment fluid within a desired Zeta potential range.
A method for treating a hydrocarbon producing formation to stabilize shale and clay therein, comprising:
- contacting the hydrocarbon producing formation with a treatment fluid containing potassium formate at a concentration by weight within a range from about 2% to about 6%;
- determining a first Zeta potential of the treatment fluid;
- and
- adjusting the concentration of the potassium formate to maintain a Zeta potential of the treatment fluid at about −15 mV or less.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.