Halliburton Company

Mary A Laramay

Marlin D Holtmyer

Charles V Hunt

Jimmie Dean Weaver, Jr

Ronald E Himes

Alireza B Rahimi

Murray G Clark

The present invention provides a method of gravel packing a subterranean formation using a gel of a graft copolymer of a hydroxyalkyl cellulose prepared by a redox reaction with vinyl phosphonic acid. The gel is formed by hydrating the graft copolymer in an aqueous liquid. The gel in crosslinked by the addition of a crosslink initiator comprising a Lewis base or Bronsted-Lowry base, which is substantially free of polyvalent metal ions, to the gel in an amount sufficient to effect crosslinking of the graft copolymer. The viscosity of the crosslinked gel is reduced by contacting the gel with an acidic fluid whereby the pH of the gel is caused to decrease. The reduction in gel viscosity facilitates formation of the gravel pack.

Method of gravel packing a well

A method of preventing gas coning or fingering from a gas cap in an oil producing well is provided. A silicate solution and a delayed activator are injected into the gas cap under conditions such that the activator causes the silicate to gel after a predetermined period of time to form a substantially impermeable zone or layer above the oil bearing formation to prevent gas from flowing into the oil well during production.

Method of preventing gas coning and fingering in a high temperature

A method of preventing gas coning or fingering from a gas cap in an oil producing well is provided. A polymerizable material is injected into the gas cap under conditions such that it polymerizes to form a substantially impermeable zone or layer above the oil bearing formation to prevent gas from flowing into the oil well during production.

Method of preventing gas coning and fingering in a hydrocarbon bearing

The present invention provides a method of treating of subterranean formation using a gel of a graft copolymer of a hydroxyalkyl cellulose, guar or hydroxypropyl guar prepared by a redox reaction with vinyl phosphonic acid. The gel is formed by hydrating the graft copolymer in an aqueous liquid containing at least a trace amount of at least one divalent cation. The gel is crosslinked by the addition of a Lewis base or Bronsted-Lowry base, which is substantially free of polyvalent metal ions, to the gel in an amount sufficient to effect crosslinking of the graft copolymer.

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Duncan, OK, United States of America

Mary A Laramay