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

Stabilizing agent for profile control gels and polymeric gels of improved stability

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6744672

This patent describes a process for recovering oil from a subterranean oil-bearing formation having relatively high permeability zones and relatively low permeability zones penetrated by at lest one injection well and at least one production well in fluid communication with a substantial portion of the formation. It comprises: injecting into the relatively high permeability zones of the formation via the injection well an aqueous gel-forming solution comprising water, a vicosifying amount of a water-dispersible polymer; a crosslinking agent in an amount effective to cause gelation of the aqueous solution of the water-dispersible polymer; and a stabilizing agent comprising a heterocyclic compound in an amount effective to reduce syneresis of the gel-forming composition, whereby upon gelation of the solution the zones of relatively high permeability of the formation are selectively plugged; injecting a flooding fluid into the formation via the injection well that preferentially enters the low permeability zones; and recovering fluids including oil from the formation via the production well.

Assignee:
Mobil Oil Corp., New York, NY (USA)
Patent Number(s):
US 4928766; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-311303A
OSTI ID:
6744672
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English