Patent ID: 6820692
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: C04B,C09K,E21B,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for plugging a well containing saline water and having a bottom, a length and an opening at a surface comprising:a. introducing a plurality of nodules into the well, said nodules comprising (a) bentonite in admixture with a proportion of water to permit the formation of compacted nodules having a density of at least 2.0 g/cm3, and a mean particle survival at a crush force of at least 800 newtons and capable of having at least 50% survival when dropped 1.5 meters onto a concrete surface; and (b) additional water to compensate for the salinity in the saline water; and b. permitting the introduced nodules to come in contact with the saline water in the well, in an amount and for a time adequate to cause the nodules to swell and form a substantially hydraulically solid plug in the well.