Methods and compositions for stimulating the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method comprising:
- selecting an emulsion or a microemulsion composition for injection into a wellbore of a well based on a determination of whether formation crude oil is produced or whether formation gas is produced by the well,wherein, when formation crude oil is produced by the well, the emulsion or the microemulsion composition is selected to comprise a terpene having a phase inversion temperature greater than 43°
C., water, and a surfactant and the ratio of water to terpene is between about 3;
1 and about 1;
2; and
wherein, when formation gas is produced by the well, the emulsion or the microemulsion is selected to comprise a terpene having a phase inversion temperature less than 43°
C., water and a surfactant, and the ratio of water to terpene is between about 3;
1 and about 1;
2; and
injecting the emulsion or the microemulsion into the wellbore.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and compositions for stimulating of the production of hydrocarbons (e.g., formation crude oil and/or formation gas) from subterranean formations, and methods of selecting a composition for treating an oil or gas well. In some embodiments, the compositions are emulsions or microemulsions, which may include water, a terpene, and a surfactant.
-
Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A method comprising:
-
selecting an emulsion or a microemulsion composition for injection into a wellbore of a well based on a determination of whether formation crude oil is produced or whether formation gas is produced by the well, wherein, when formation crude oil is produced by the well, the emulsion or the microemulsion composition is selected to comprise a terpene having a phase inversion temperature greater than 43°
C., water, and a surfactant and the ratio of water to terpene is between about 3;
1 and about 1;
2; andwherein, when formation gas is produced by the well, the emulsion or the microemulsion is selected to comprise a terpene having a phase inversion temperature less than 43°
C., water and a surfactant, and the ratio of water to terpene is between about 3;
1 and about 1;
2; andinjecting the emulsion or the microemulsion into the wellbore. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification