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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method for insulating a well

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6275777
A process is described for thermally insulating elements of a well such as the tubing string. An aqueous solution of a water-soluble silicate is introduced into the annular space between the well and the tubing string. Steam is injected into the tubing string to boil the silicate solution and deposit a coating of alkali metal silicate on the tubing string. Excess silicate solution remaining in the annular space is displayed by a fluid having a low solubility for the silicate coating. A preferred use of this process is in insulating a conventional steam injection well. (10 claims)
Assignee:
Esso Production Res Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3664424
OSTI ID:
6275777
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English