Control of incompetent formations

Patent · Tue Sep 19 04:00:00 EDT 1972

OSTI ID:5004095

Sparlin, D D

In the production of subterranean fluids, such as oil, gas, water, etc., difficulties are encountered when the well by which the fluids are produced penetrates a loose or unconsolidated subterranean formation. Such formations frequently are composed of loose water or oil sands, and the grains of the sand become entrained in the fluid being produced to be carried into the well bore. The result of such entrainment, among other things, is the abrasion of the pumping equipment in the well bore, the clogging of strainers, and the sanding in of the cavity immediately adjacent the strainer. These results in turn ultimately cause a sharp decrease in the rate of production and high maintenance costs. An incompetent formation is controlled by admixing to form a mixture consisting essentially of an organic polymer precursor, a coupling agent, an aqueous acidic catalyst, a hydrocarbon carrier, and a hydrocarbon soluble acidic catalyst; and positioning the mixture in contact with the incompetent formation, and allowing it to solidify. (6 claims)

• Assignee: Continental Oil Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3692116
• OSTI ID: 5004095
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
CATALYSTS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
POLYMERIZATION
POLYMERS
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESINS
ROCKS
SAND CONSOLIDATION
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
WELL SERVICING
WELLS