Stabilization of montmorillonite clays in an underground formation

Patent · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1970

OSTI ID:5854449

Nooner, D W; Kolaian, J H

A method of treating subterranean formations containing water-sensitive montmorillonite clays consists of contacting the formation with an aqueous solution of potassium salt at elevated temperatures, whereby the montmorillonite is transformed into other clay minerals which are less sensitive to swelling when contacted with water. Clay-containing formations are effectively transformed to stabilize their swelling upon subsequent exposure to aqueous media, such as water, hot water or steam. The method has utility as a pretreatment operation for any operation, such as well stimulation or secondary recovery, in which a hydrothermal treatment is to be undertaken. (1 claim)

• Assignee: Texaco Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 3543858
• OSTI ID: 5854449
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
58 GEOSCIENCES
580100 -- Geology & Hydrology-- (-1989)
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
CLAYS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
HYDROTHERMAL ALTERATION
INORGANIC ION EXCHANGERS
ION EXCHANGE MATERIALS
MATERIALS
MINERALS
MONTMORILLONITE
PATENTS
POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS
RECOVERY
STABILIZATION
STIMULATION
WELL STIMULATION