Patent ID: 6143699
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: C09K

Abstract:
A method for controlling the flow of at least one fluid in a subterranean formation having at least a first region, said first region having (i) at least Na.sup.+, and (ii) a first permeability, K.sub.1, with respect to said fluid, said method comprising:(a) making an inhibitive electrolyte solution having water and at least one inhibitive compound, said inhibitive compound having at least one cation and anion;(b) making a clay slurry by mixing at least about 20 weight percent of clay with said inhibitive electrolyte solution so that, to the extent clay gel is produced, if any, the flowability of said clay slurry is not substantially inhibited;(c) injecting said clay slurry into said formation, so that at least a portion of said clay slurry contacts said first region having at least Na.sup.+ ;(d) allowing a clay gel to form in said first region so that K.sub.1 is reduced to produce a lower permeability, K.sub.1L, with respect to said fluid; and(e) controlling the flow of at least a majority of said at least one fluid into or from said first region.