초록 ▼

An aqueous solution having potassium silicate dissolved therein is injected into a subterranean sandstone formation containing water-sensitive fine particles, including clays. Potassium silicate stabilizes the fine particles for a substantial period of time thereby substantially preventing formation

An aqueous solution having potassium silicate dissolved therein is injected into a subterranean sandstone formation containing water-sensitive fine particles, including clays. Potassium silicate stabilizes the fine particles for a substantial period of time thereby substantially preventing formation permeability damage caused by encroachment of aqueous solutions having a distinct ionic makeup into the treated formation.

대표청구항 ▼

A process for stabilizing clays present in a water-sensitive, subterranean sandstone formation having a matrix, the sandstone formation containing fine particles which interact with aqueous solutions having ionic makeup distinct from connate water to reduce permeability of the formation and fluid fl

A process for stabilizing clays present in a water-sensitive, subterranean sandstone formation having a matrix, the sandstone formation containing fine particles which interact with aqueous solutions having ionic makeup distinct from connate water to reduce permeability of the formation and fluid flow therethrough, the sandstone formation being penetrated by a well bore in fluid communication therewith, the process comprising: injecting into the matrix of said subterranean sandstone formation via said well bore an aqueous solution consisting essentially of water, potassium silicate and potassium hydroxide and one or more potassium salts, said potassium silicate and potassium hydroxide existing in said aqueous solution as potassium ions, silicate ions and hydroxide ions, said silicate and hydroxide ions interacting with said sandstone formation in the presence of said potassium ions to effectively render said fine particles relatively insensitive to said aqueous solutions having a distinct ionic makeup, and said potassium silicate and potassium hydroxide being dissolved in said aqueous solution in a quantity sufficient to effectively render said fine particles relatively insensitive to said aqueous solutions having a distinct ionic makeup for a substantial period of time, thereby preventing substantial permeability reduction of the formation matrix.