Patent ID: 6167967
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: C09K,E21B,Y10S

Abstract:
An improved method of sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore containing a string of drill pipe to prevent the uncontrolled flow of fluids into and out of the zone by way of permeable portions thereof comprising the steps of: preparing a pumpable sealing composition which rapidly converts into a high viscosity sealing mass upon mixing and reacting with well bore fluids comprising water contained in said well bore, said sealing composition being comprised of water, an aqueous rubber latex, an organophillic clay and sodium carbonate; and pumping said sealing composition through one or more openings at the end of said string of drill pipe into said zone at a low flow rate relative to said well bore fluids therein whereby said sealing composition flows through said well bore fluids with a minimum of mixing therewith and whereby portions of said sealing composition are converted to sealing masses as said sealing composition flows through said zone, said sealing masses being successively diverted into and sealing said permeable portions of said zone through which fluids are flowing out of said zone thereby allowing the hydrostatic pressure exerted in said zone to increase until all of said permeable portions in said zone are sealed.