Patent ID: 6189615
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: C09K,Y10S

Abstract:
A process for substantially reducing the permeability of or fluid mobility within a carbonate-containing treatment region in or proximate to a hydrocarbon-bearing formation below an earthen surface penetrated by a well bore, the process comprising:a) preparing a gelation solution at an earthen surface including;i) an acrylamide polymer;ii) a stabilizing agent selected from a group consisting of acid additives, acidic pH buffer systems, and delayed acid generators, and mixtures thereof;iii) a chromium(III) complex having one or more chromium(III) cations and one or more carboxylate anions selected from the group consisting of mono-carboxylates, poly-carboxylates, substituted derivatives of mono- and poly-carboxylates, and mixtures thereof, andiv) an aqueous solvent;b) injecting said gelation solution into a well bore in fluid communication with a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation and a carbonate-containing treatment region;c) displacing said gelation solution into said carbonate-containing treatment region; andd) gelling said gelation solution in said carbonate-containing treatment region to form a stabilized gel substantially reducing the permeability of or fluid mobility within said treatment region.