Downhole chemical delivery system for oil and gas wells
First Claim
1. An apparatus for treating wells comprising:
- a) a material useful for treating wells; and
b) a water-soluble shell substantially encasing the material, said shell comprising a water-soluble polymer and a cross-linking agent, wherein at least a portion of the water-soluble polymer is cross-linked with the proviso that the cross-linking agent is not a chromic carboxylate complex.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is the method of treating of a well, a formation, or both, with the solids, liquids, or apparatuses, by 1) encasing the solids, liquids, or apparatuses in a water-soluble shell, 2) conveying the encased solids, liquids, or gases to the predetermined location in the well, and then 3) allowing the water-soluble shell to dissolve in the aqueous phase in the wellbore. The shell is preferably made of water-soluble polymers such as collagen, a crosslinking agent such as zolidine, optionally a hydrophobic compound such as a processed oil, and water used in processing. Other modifying or conditioning compounds, for example glycerin and other polymeric additives, may be incorporated to extend the strength or temperature range of the shell. The shell encases a variety of solids, liquids, or combinations thereof, where the solids or liquids are useful in the treatment of the well or of the producing formation. Illustrative encased material includes soap, acid, corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, scale inhibitors, mutual solvents, paraffin inhibitors, paraffin dissolvers, clay stabilizers, and tracer materials. The encased materials may also be apparatuses, such as a prefabricated screen completion or a prefabricated sand-pack.
-
Citations
39 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for treating wells comprising:
-
a) a material useful for treating wells; and
b) a water-soluble shell substantially encasing the material, said shell comprising a water-soluble polymer and a cross-linking agent, wherein at least a portion of the water-soluble polymer is cross-linked with the proviso that the cross-linking agent is not a chromic carboxylate complex. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
-
-
35. A method of treating a well comprising:
-
a) substantially encasing a material useful for treating wells in a water soluble shell, wherein said shell comprises a water-soluble polymer and a cross-linking agent, and wherein at least a portion of the water-soluble polymer is cross-linked with the proviso that the cross-linking agent is not a chromic carboxylate complex;
b) inserting the substantially encased material into the well;
c) transporting said encased material to the desired depth in the well; and
d) leaving the material at the desired depth for a time sufficient for the water-soluble shell to dissolve, thereby exposing the material to fluids in the well. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37)
-
-
38. An apparatus for treating wells comprising:
-
a) a material useful for treating wells; and
b) a water-soluble shell substantially encasing the material, said shell comprising a water-soluble polymer containing collagen, and a cross-linking agent, wherein at least a portion of the water-soluble polymer is cross-linked.
-
-
39. A method of treating a well comprising:
-
a) substantially encasing a material useful for treating wells in a water soluble shell, wherein said shell comprises a water-soluble polymer containing collagen, and a cross-linking agent, and wherein at least a portion of the water-soluble polymer is cross-linked;
b) inserting the substantially encased material into the well;
c) transporting said encased material to the desired depth in the well; and
d) leaving the material at the desired depth for a time sufficient for the water-soluble shell to dissolve, thereby exposing the material to fluids in the well.
-
Specification