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

Process for reducing the permeability of porous rock

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6389451

Porous rock may be rendered impermeable by injecting into it at a pressure greater than the back pressure of the ground water and in excess of 10 psi, an aqueous solution of resorcinol and formaldehyde. The solution has a pH between 7 and 10 in which the combined weight of the resorcinol and formaldehyde is between 3 and 25% by wt of the whole. The formaldehyde is present in an amount sufficient to provide at least 1 molar equivalent per mole of resorcinol. If desired, the setting rate may be accelerated by the incorporation of an inorganic salt, such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium nitrate, sodium chromate or magnesium chloride or a mixture of 2 or more. A first solution is prepared which consists of resorcinol, water, and an alkali, and a second solution consisting of water and formaldehyde. The preferred alkali is sodium hydroxide. The 2 solutions are then admixed immediately prior to injection or during injection. (8 claims)

Assignee:
Borden Chemical Co., Ltd.
Patent Number(s):
GB 1292633
OSTI ID:
6389451
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English