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

Technique for insulating a wellbore with silicate foam

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7303431
A method is disclosed for thermally insulating a well. The well is insulated by boiling a solution containing silicate in contact with well tubing to form a coating of silicate on the tubing. A fluid substantially free of silicate also contacts the well tubing to buffer a lower portion of the tubing from the silicate solution. This substantially silicate-free fluid prevents silicate foam coating on the lower portion of the tubing and thus alleviates problems associated with having silicate foam coated thereon. 12 claims, 2 figures.
Assignee:
Exxon Production Research Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 4024919
OSTI ID:
7303431
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English