Patent ID: 6720292
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
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+, and (ii) a first permeability, K1, 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/reinforcing agent slurry by mixing at least about 15 weight percent of a swelling clay with said inhibitive electrolyte solution so that, to the extent clay gel is produced, if any, the flowability of said slurry is not substantially inhibited and mixing a reinforcing agent in the range of from about 10 weight percent to about 60 weight percent; (c) injecting said clay/reinforcing agent slurry into said formation, so that at least a portion of said slurry contacts said first region; (d) allowing a reinforced clay gel to form in said first region so that K1 is reduced to produce a lower permeability, K1L, 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.