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

Compositions useful in plugging formations

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6919857
A method is described for treating oil- and water-bearing formations to stimulate the production of oil while simultaneously retarding the production of water. This is accomplished by treating the formation with a composition comprising a solution of an acid salt of a fatty amine containing, when necessary, a wetting agent to allow the solution to be pumped with ease into the formation. The compositions, which are generally dissolved in an organic solvent such as a hydrocarbon solvent to facilitate easy handling, are employed as preflush compositions to plug water-bearing passages while leaving oil-bearing passages open. Thereupon an acid solution is pumped into the formation to selectively acidize and stimulate the oil-bearing passages. The acid soap hydrates when it comes in contact with the water-bearing portion of the formation so as to form a precipitate which seals the water producing formation. (4 claims)
Assignee:
EDB-83-022040
Patent Number(s):
US 3923100
OSTI ID:
6919857
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English