U.S. patent application number 09/942712 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-21 for sealing subterranean zones.
Invention is credited to Chatterji, Jiten, Cox, Ricky A., Cromwell, Roger S., Dennis, John L. JR., Griffith, James E., King, Bobby J..
Application Number | 20020020529 09/942712 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26936812 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020020529 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Griffith, James E. ; et
al. |
February 21, 2002 |
Sealing subterranean zones
Abstract
The present invention provides improved compositions and methods
of using the compositions for sealing subterranean zones. One
composition of the invention is comprised of water, an aqueous
rubber latex, an organophilic clay, sodium carbonate, an epoxy
resin and a hardening agent for said epoxy resin.
Inventors: |
Griffith, James E.; (Duncan,
OK) ; Cox, Ricky A.; (Comanche, OK) ;
Chatterji, Jiten; (Duncan, OK) ; King, Bobby J.;
(Duncan, OK) ; Cromwell, Roger S.; (Walters,
OK) ; Dennis, John L. JR.; (Marlow, OK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HALLIBURTION ENERGY SERVICES
P.O. Box 1431
Duncan
OK
73536-0440
US
|
Family ID: |
26936812 |
Appl. No.: |
09/942712 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09942712 |
Aug 30, 2001 |
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09704633 |
Nov 2, 2000 |
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09704633 |
Nov 2, 2000 |
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09244820 |
Feb 4, 1999 |
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6271181 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
166/276 ;
166/292; 507/203 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09K 8/512 20130101;
C09K 8/508 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/276 ;
166/292; 507/203 |
International
Class: |
E21B 043/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An improved sealing composition for sealing a subterranean zone
penetrated by a well bore comprising: an aqueous rubber latex; a
latex stabilizing surfactant; an epoxy resin; and a hardening agent
for said epoxy resin.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein said aqueous rubber latex is
present in an amount in the range of from about 30% to about 70% by
weight of said composition.
3. The composition of claim 2 wherein said aqueous rubber latex is
an aqueous styrene-butadiene latex.
4. The composition of claim 2 wherein said aqueous rubber latex is
an aqueous 25%:75% by weight styrene-butadiene latex which contains
water in an amount of about 50% by weight of said latex.
5. The composition of claim 1 wherein said latex stabilizing
surfactant is present in an amount in the range of from about 3% to
about 6% by weight of said composition.
6. The composition of claim 5 wherein said latex stabilizing
surfactant is selected from the group consisting of nonylphenol
ethoxylated with in the range of from about 15 to about 40 moles of
ethylene oxide and the sodium salt of a sulfonated and ethoxylated
compound having the formula
H(CH.sub.2).sub.12-15(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.15SO.sub.3Na.
7. The composition of claim 1 wherein said epoxy resin is present
in an amount in the range of from about 30% to about 70% by weight
of said composition.
8. The composition of claim 7 wherein said epoxy resin is selected
from the group consisting of a condensation product of
epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A, an epoxidized bisphenol A novolac
resin, the diglycidyl ether of 1,4-butanediol, the diglycidyl ether
of neopentyl glycol, the diglycidyl ether of cyclohexanedimethanol
and mixtures thereof.
9. The composition of claim 7 wherein said epoxy resin is comprised
of the condensation product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A.
10. The composition of claim 1 wherein said hardening agent is
present in an amount in the range of from about 5% to about 30% by
weight of said composition.
11. The composition of claim 10 wherein said hardening agent is
selected from the group consisting of aliphatic amines, aromatic
amines, carboxylic acid anhydrides and mixtures thereof.
12. The composition of claim 10 wherein said hardening agent is
selected from the group of isophoronediamine,
diethyltoluenediamine, tris(dimethylaminoethylphenol) and mixtures
thereof.
13. An improved sealing composition for sealing a subterranean zone
penetrated by a well bore comprising: an aqueous 25%:75% by weight
styrene/butadiene latex which contains water in an amount of 50% by
weight of the latex present in an amount in the range of from about
40% to about 50% by weight of said composition; a latex stabilizing
surfactant comprised of the sodium salt of a sulfonated and
ethoxylated compound having the formula
H(CH.sub.2).sub.12-15(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.- 15SO.sub.3Na present
in an amount in the range of from about 5% to about 15% by weight
of said composition; an epoxy resin selected from the group
consisting of a condensation product of epichlorohydrin and
bisphenol A, an epoxidized bisphenol A novolac resin. the
diglycidyl ether of 1,4-butanediol, the diglycidyl ether of
neopentyl glycol, the diglycidyl ether of cyclohexanedimethanol and
mixtures thereof present in an amount in the range of from about
40% to about 50% by weight of said composition; and an epoxy
hardening agent selected from the group consisting of
isophoronediamine, diethyltoluenediamine,
tris(dimethylaminoethylphenol) and mixtures thereof present in an
amount in the range of from about 5% to about 30% by weight of said
composition.
14. An improved sealing composition for sealing a subterranean zone
penetrated by a well bore comprising: a water swellable clay; a
silane coupling agent; an epoxy resin; and a hardening agent for
said epoxy resin.
15. The composition of claim 14 wherein said water swellable clay
is present in an amount in the range of from about 20% to about 50%
by weight of said composition.
16. The composition of claim 15 wherein said water swellable clay
is selected from the group consisting of sodium bentonite,
attapulgite, fuller's earth and sepiolite.
17. The composition of claim 15 wherein said water swellable clay
is sodium bentonite.
18. The composition of claim 14 wherein said silane coupling agent
is present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 5%
by weight of said composition.
19. The composition of claim 18 wherein said silane coupling agent
is selected from the group consisting of
N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-amninopropyltrim- ethoxysilane,
aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 3-amninopropyltrimethoxysilan-
e.
20. The composition of claim 18 wherein said silane coupling agent
is N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane.
21. The composition of claim 14 wherein said epoxy resin is present
in an amount in the range of from about 30% to about 70% by weight
of said composition.
22. The composition of claim 21 wherein said epoxy resin is
selected from the group consisting of a condensation product of
epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A, an epoxidized bisphenol A novolac
resin, the diglycidyl ether of 1,4-butanediol, the diglycidyl ether
of neopentyl glycol, the diglycidyl ether of cyclohexanedimethanol
and mixtures thereof.
23. The composition of claim 21 wherein said epoxy resin is
comprised of the condensation product of epichlorohydrin and
bisphenol A.
24. The composition of claim 14 wherein said hardening agent is
present in an amount in the range of from about 5% to about 30% by
weight of said composition.
25. The composition of claim 24 wherein said hardening agent is
selected from the group consisting of aliphatic amines, aromatic
amines, carboxylic acid anhydrides and mixtures thereof.
26. The composition of claim 24 wherein said hardening agent is
selected from the group of isophoronediamine,
diethyltoluenediamine, tris(dimethylaminoethylphenol) and mixtures
thereof.
27. An improved sealing composition for sealing a subterranean zone
penetrated by a well bore comprising: a water swellable clay
comprised of sodium bentonite present in an amount in the range of
from about 20% to about 50% by weight of said composition; a silane
coupling agent comprised of
N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane present in an amount
in the range of from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of said
composition; an epoxy resin selected from the group consisting of a
condensation product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A, an
epoxidized bisphenol A novolac resin, the diglycidyl ether of
1,4-butanediol, the diglycidyl ether of neopentyl glycol, the
diglycidyl ether of cyclohexanedimethanol and mixtures thereof
present in an amount in the range of from about 40% to about 50% by
weight of said composition; and an epoxy hardening agent selected
from the group consisting of isophoronediamine,
diethyltoluenediamine and tris(dimethylaminoethylpheno- l) and
mixtures thereof present in an amount in the range of from about 5%
to about 30% by weight of said composition.
28. An improved method of sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by
a well bore comprising the steps of: preparing a subterranean zone
sealing composition comprising an aqueous rubber latex, a latex
stabilizing surfactant, an epoxy resin and a hardening agent for
said epoxy resin; introducing said sealing composition into said
zone by way of said well bore; and allowing said sealing
composition to harden into a firm but resilient sealing mass in
said zone.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein said aqueous rubber latex is an
aqueous styrene/butadiene latex and is present in an amount in the
range of from about 30% to about 70% by weight of said
composition.
30. The method of claim 28 wherein said latex stabilizing
surfactant is selected from the group consisting of nonylphenol
ethoxylated with in the range of from about 15 to about 40 moles of
ethylene oxide and the sodium salt of a sulfonated and ethoxylated
compound having the formula
H(CH.sub.2)12-15(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.15SO.sub.3Na present in an
amount in the range of from about 3% to about 6% by weight of said
composition.
31. The method of claim 28 wherein said epoxy resin is selected
from the group consisting of a condensation product of
epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A, an epoxidized bisphenol A novolac
resin, the diglycidyl ether of 1,4-butanediol, the diglycidyl ether
of neopentyl glycol, the diglycidyl ether of cyclohexanedimethanol
and mixtures thereof, and said epoxy resin is present in an amount
in the range of from about 30% to about 70% by weight of said
composition.
32. The method of claim 28 wherein said hardening agent selected
from the group consisting of aliphatic amines, aromatic amines and
carboxylic acid anhydrides and is present in an amount in the range
of from about 5% to about 30% by weight of said composition.
33. An improved method of sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by
a well bore comprising the steps of: preparing a subterranean zone
sealing composition comprising a water swellable clay, a silane
coupling agent, an epoxy resin and a hardening agent for said epoxy
resin; introducing said sealing composition into said zone by way
of said well bore; and allowing said sealing composition to harden
into a firm but resilient sealing mass in said zone.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein said water swellable clay is
selected from the group consisting of sodium bentonite,
attapulgite, fuller's earth and sepiolite and is present in an
amount in the range of from about 20% to about 50% by weight of
said composition.
35. The method of claim 33 wherein said silane coupling agent is
selected from the group consisting of
N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysila- ne,
aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and
is present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 5%
by weight of said composition.
36. The method of claim 33 wherein said epoxy resin is selected
from the group of a condensation product of epichlorohydrin and
bisphenol A, an epoxidized bisphenol A novolac resin, the
diglycidyl ether of 1,4-butanediol, the diglycidyl ether of
neopentyl glycol, the diglycidyl ether of cyclohexanedimethanol and
mixtures thereof, and said epoxy resin is present in an amount in
the range of from about 30% to about 70% by weight of said
composition.
37. The method of claim 33 wherein said hardening agent is selected
from the group consisting of aliphatic amines, aromatic amines and
carboxylic acid anhydrides and is present in an amount in the range
of from about 3% to about 6% by weight of said composition.
Description
[0001] This Application is a Continuation-In-Part of application
Ser. No. 09/244,820 filed on Feb. 4, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to improved compositions for
sealing subterranean zones and methods of utilizing the
compositions.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] In the drilling of oil and gas wells using the rotary
drilling method, drilling fluid is circulated through the drill
string and drill bit and then back to the surface by way of the
well bore being drilled. The drilling fluid maintains hydrostatic
pressure on the subterranean zones through which the well bore is
drilled and circulates cuttings out of the well bore. During such
drilling, subterranean vugs, fractures and other highly permeable
zones are often encountered whereby the drilling fluid circulation
is lost into the zones and drilling operations must be terminated
while remedial steps are taken. Also, when a subterranean zone is
penetrated containing fluids under pressure which exceeds the
hydrostatic pressure exerted on the zone by the drilling fluid,
formation fluid crossflows and/or underground blow-outs can and
often do occur.
[0006] Heretofore, a variety of compositions have been developed
and used for combating lost circulation, crossflow and underground
blow-out problems. However, such compositions have often been
unsuccessful due to delayed and inadequate viscosity development by
the compositions. For example, a variety of compositions containing
hydraulic cement or the like have been used in attempts to stop
lost circulation. The lost circulation is usually the result of
encountering weak subterranean zones that contain natural fractures
and/or are fractured by drilling fluid pressures and rapidly break
down. When a cement or other slow setting composition is squeezed
into the zone, the delay in developing high viscosity allows the
sealing composition to be diluted and displaced into the zone
whereby it bypasses the fractures and vugs causing the lost
circulation. The same type of problem often occurs when crosslinked
hydrated gels and other similar sealing compositions are
utilized.
[0007] Thus, there are needs for improved compositions and methods
of sealing subterranean zones using the compositions whereby the
compositions develop ultra high viscosities in a few seconds or
minutes and thereafter harden into firm but resilient sealing
masses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Improved compositions and methods of using the composition
for sealing subterranean zones are provided which overcome the
deficiencies of the prior art and meet the needs described above.
The sealing compositions and methods are particularly suitable for
sealing subterranean zones containing drilling fluids formed of
oil, water containing divalent cations and/or water-in-oil
emulsions, known in the art as inverted emulsions.
[0009] A first sealing composition of this invention for sealing
zones containing oil or water based drilling fluids is basically
comprised of water, an aqueous rubber latex, an organophilic clay,
sodium carbonate, an epoxy resin and a hardening agent for the
epoxy resin. The composition can also include one or more latex
stabilizers, dispersing agents, biopolymers, defoaming agents,
foaming agents, emulsion breakers, fillers, rubber vulcanizing
agents and the like.
[0010] A second sealing composition of this invention for sealing
subterranean zones containing oil or water based drilling fluids is
basically comprised of an aqueous rubber latex, a latex stabilizing
surfactant, an epoxy resin and a hardening agent for the epoxy
resin.
[0011] A third inventive sealing composition for sealing
subterranean zones containing water based drilling fluids is
basically comprised of a water swellable clay, a silane coupling
agent, an epoxy resin and a hardening agent.
[0012] When the first and second sealing compositions described
above contact oil, water containing divalent cations or oil-water
emulsions in a well bore, the rubber latex is destabilized whereby
the rubber is precipitated thereby forming the sealing composition
into a viscous mass. When the sealing composition includes an
organophilic clay, the organophilic clay simultaneously reacts with
the oil to instantly form an ultra-high viscosity rubbery mass. The
third sealing composition described above includes a water
swellable clay which forms the composition into a viscous mass when
it contacts water. The viscous masses formed by the sealing
compositions remain in the zones to be sealed until the epoxy resin
in the sealing compositions is hardened by the hardening agent
which forms the compositions into firm but resilient sealing masses
which retain their shape, have compressive strength and effectively
seal the subterranean zones.
[0013] The methods of this invention basically comprise the steps
of preparing a sealing composition of this invention, introducing
the sealing composition into a subterranean zone to be sealed and
allowing the sealing composition to form a firm but resilient
sealing mass in the subterranean zone.
[0014] It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention
to provide improved compositions for sealing subterranean zones and
methods of using the compositions.
[0015] Other and further objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art upon a reading of the description of preferred embodiments
which follows.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] As mentioned above, in the drilling of wells, subterranean
zones are often encountered which contain high incidences of
natural vugs and fractures. As a result, drilling fluid circulation
is often lost which requires the termination of the drilling and
the implementation of remedial procedures which are often of long
duration and high cost. Such remedial procedures have heretofore
involved the placement of hardenable compositions such as Portland
cement compositions or crosslinked stiff gels and the like in the
lost circulation zone. However, as mentioned above, because such
compositions require considerable time to harden or gel, successful
plugging of the zone often does not take place. In addition to
drilling fluid loss circulation zones, zones containing pressurized
fluids can be encountered which cause gas, oil and/or water
crossflows that dilute and wash away sealing compositions. Also,
underground blow-outs at low to high formation fluid flow rates can
take place.
[0017] The present invention provides improved compositions for
sealing subterranean zones and terminating the loss of drilling
fluid, crossflows and/or underground blow-outs. The compositions
are particularly suitable for use in wells containing oil, water
containing divalent cations and/or water-in-oil emulsions. When a
composition of this invention contacts oil or water containing
divalent cations in the well bore, it instantly forms a viscous
sealing mass. As the viscous sealing mass is displaced through the
well bore, it enters and seals vugs, fractures and other highly
permeable zones through which fluid is lost. Upon entering such
zones, the viscous sealing composition is retained in the zones
long enough for the epoxy resin therein to harden and form a firm
but resilient sealing mass which retains it shape, has compressive
strength and effectively seals the zones.
[0018] The sealing compositions of this invention are self
diverting and plug multiple weak zones in a single well treatment.
When a well contains a crossflow or underground blow-out, the
sealing compositions plug all the lower pressure weak zones
penetrated by the well bore and as the pressure in the well bore is
increased, the crossflow or blow-out zone is also plugged. The
resulting sealed well bore achieved by the sealing compositions of
this invention can hold higher drilling fluid weights and the
sealing compositions produce a wedging effect in plugged fractures
that increases the integrity of the entire sealed formation or
zone.
[0019] A first sealing composition of the present invention is
basically comprised of water, an aqueous rubber latex, an
organophilic clay, sodium carbonate, an epoxy resin and a hardening
agent for the epoxy resin. The aqueous rubber latex present in the
composition is caused to destabilize by oil or water containing
electrolytes such as calcium chloride in the well bore whereby the
rubber is precipitated. The organophilic clay simultaneously reacts
with oil in the well bore to form a high viscosity rubbery sealing
mass. The sodium carbonate in the composition functions to
stabilize the rubber latex and prevent precipitation when the latex
is mixed with water which contains calcium chloride and the like
during the preparation of the composition. Sodium hydroxide can
also be added to the composition to prevent precipitation of the
latex if the water used to form the composition contains magnesium
compounds or other similar latex destabilizing compounds.
[0020] The epoxy resin in the compositions is caused to harden by
the hardening agent therein whereby the initially formed high
viscosity rubbery sealing mass is converted into a firm but
resilient sealing mass which has compressive strength and retains
its shape in a sealed zone.
[0021] The water in the sealing composition which is in addition to
the water contained in the aqueous latex is included in the
composition to make it pumpable. The water can be from any source
provided it does not contain the above mentioned compounds that
adversely affect the rubber latex or other components in the
composition. However, fresh water is preferred. Generally, the
additional water is present in an amount in the range of from about
6% to about 50% by weight of the composition, more preferably in a
range of from about 30% to about 42%.
[0022] A second sealing composition which is similar to the above
described composition is basically comprised of an aqueous rubber
latex, a latex stabilizing surfactant, an epoxy resin and a
hardening agent for the epoxy resin. The aqueous rubber latex is
caused to destabilize by oil or water containing electrolytes in
the well bore whereby the rubber is precipitated and a viscous
sealing mass is formed. As described above, the viscous sealing
mass enters and seals vugs, fractures and other highly permeable
zones and is retained in the zones long enough for the epoxy resin
therein to harden. The resulting sealing mass retains its shape,
has compressive strength and effectively seals and strengthens the
zones.
[0023] A third inventive sealing composition is basically comprised
of a water swellable clay, a silane coupling agent, an epoxy resin
and a hardening agent for the epoxy resin. When the water swellable
clay contacts water, it swells and forms the sealing composition
into a viscous mass which enters and seals vugs, fractures and
other highly permeable zones and is retained in the zones long
enough for the epoxy resin therein to harden. The resulting sealing
mass retains its shape, has compressive strength and effectively
seals and strengthens the zones.
[0024] A variety of well known rubber materials can be utilized in
accordance with the present invention. Such materials are
commercially available in aqueous latex form, i.e., aqueous
dispersions or emulsions. For example, natural rubber
(cis-1,4-polyisoprene) and most of its modified types can be
utilized. Synthetic polymers of various types can also be used
including styrene/butadiene rubber, cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber
and blends thereof with natural rubber or styrene/butadiene rubber,
high styrene resin, butyl rubber, ethylene/propylene rubbers,
neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber,
silicone rubber, chlorosulfonated rubber, polyethylene rubber,
epichlorohydrin rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, fluorosilicone rubber,
polyurethane rubber, polyacrylic rubber and polysulfide rubber.
[0025] Of the various latexes which can be utilized, those prepared
by emulsion polymerization processes are preferred. A particularly
preferred latex for use in accordance with this invention is a
styrene/butadiene copolymer latex emulsion prepared by emulsion
polymerization. The aqueous phase of the emulsion is an aqueous
colloidal dispersion of the styrene/butadiene copolymer. The latex
dispersion usually includes water in an amount in the range of from
about 40% to about 70% by weight of the latex, and in addition to
the dispersed styrene/butadiene particles, the latex often includes
small quantities of an emulsifier, polymerization catalysts, chain
modifying agents and the like. The weight ratio of styrene to
butadiene in the latex can range from about 10%:90% to about
90%:10%.
[0026] It is understood that styrene/butadiene latexes are often
commercially produced as terpolymer latexes which include up to
about 3% by weight of a third monomer to assist in stabilizing the
latex emulsions. The third monomer, when present, generally is
anionic in character and includes a carboxylate, sulfate or
sulfonate group. Other groups that may be present on the third
monomer include phosphates, phosphonates or phenolics. Non-ionic
groups which exhibit stearic effects and which contain long
ethoxylate or hydrocarbon tails can also be present.
[0027] A particularly suitable styrene/butadiene aqueous latex for
use in accordance with the present invention has a
styrene/butadiene weight ratio of about 25%:75%, and the
styrene/butadiene copolymer is suspended in a 50% by weight aqueous
emulsion. A latex of this type is available from Halliburton Energy
Services of Duncan, Okla. under the trade designation "LATEX
2000.TM.."
[0028] When used in the first sealing composition described above
which also includes an organophilic clay, sodium carbonate, an
epoxy resin and a hardening agent, the aqueous latex is included in
the composition in an amount in the range of from about 8% to about
17% by weight of the composition, more preferably in an amount of
from about 10% to about 12%.
[0029] When used in the second sealing composition described above
which also includes a latex stabilizing surfactant, an epoxy resin
and a hardening agent, the aqueous latex is included in the
composition in an amount in the range of from 30% to about 70% by
weight of the composition, more preferably in an amount of from
about 40% to about 50%.
[0030] While a variety of organophilic clays can be utilized, an
alkyl quaternary ammonium bentonite clay is preferred. A
particularly suitable alkyl quaternary ammonium bentonite clay for
use in accordance with this invention is commercially available
from Southern Products, Inc. of Gonzales, Tex. under the tradename
"CLAYTONE-II.TM.." The organophilic clay is generally present in
the first sealing composition described above in an amount in the
range of from about 13% to about 22% by weight of the compositions,
more preferably from about 16% to about 19%.
[0031] The sodium carbonate which functions as a buffer and
prevents destabilization of the rubber latex due to contact with
calcium and the like in the mixing water is generally present in
the first sealing composition described above in an amount in the
range of from about 2.7% to about 4.4% by weight of the
compositions, more preferably from 3.3% to about 3.7%.
[0032] The compositions of this invention can include various epoxy
resins. Preferred epoxy resins are those selected from the
condensation products of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A. A
particularly suitable such resin is commercially available from the
Shell Chemical Company under the trade designation "EPON.RTM.RESIN
828." This epoxy resin has a molecular weight of about 340 and a
one gram equivalent of epoxide per about 180 to about 195 grams of
resin.
[0033] For ease of mixing, the epoxy resin utilized in the first
and second sealing compositions described above can be
pre-dispersed in a non-ionic aqueous fluid. A non-ionic aqueous
dispersion of the epoxy resin, i.e., the above described
condensation product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A, is
commercially available from the Shell Chemical Company under the
trade designation "EPI-REZ.RTM.-3510-W-60." Another non-ionic
aqueous dispersion of an epoxy resin comprised of a condensation
product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A having a higher
molecular weight than the epoxy resin described above is also
commercially available from the Shell Chemical Company under the
trade designation "EPI-REZ.RTM.-3522-W-60." Yet another non-ionic
aqueous dispersion of an epoxy resin suitable for use in accordance
with the present invention includes an epoxidized bisphenol A
novolac resin which has a one gram equivalent of epoxide per about
205 grams of resin. This non-ionic aqueous dispersion of epoxy
resin is commercially available from the Shell Chemical Company
under the trade designation "EPI-REZ.RTM.-5003-W-55."
[0034] Of the foregoing non-ionic aqueous dispersions of epoxy
resin, the aqueous dispersion of the condensation product of
epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A having a molecular weight of about
340 and a one gram equivalent of epoxide per about 180 to about 195
grams of resin is the most preferred.
[0035] The epoxy resin utilized is included in the sealing
compositions of this invention in an amount in the range of from
about 30% to about 70% by weight of the compositions, most
preferably in an amount of about 40% to about 50%.
[0036] A solvent comprised of one or more aromatic hydrocarbons or
a low viscosity epoxide containing liquid or a mixture of such
epoxide containing liquids can be utilized to modify the viscosity
of the epoxy resin used, e.g., the above described Shell
"EPON.RTM.RESIN 828," and to add flexibility and resiliency to the
epoxy containing sealing composition after hardening. A
particularly suitable solvent which is presently preferred is
comprised of a mixture of hydrocarbons containing from about 50% to
about 99% of one or more aromatic hydrocarbons by weight of the
solvent. Such a preferred solvent is commercially available under
the tradename "CYCLO SOL 63.TM." from Shell Chemical Co. of
Houston, Tex. An epichlorohydrin/bisphenol A condensation epoxy
resin which has been modified with an aromatic solvent and is
suitable for use in the above described sealing compositions is
commercially available from the Shell Chemical Company under the
trade designation "EPSEAL RE.RTM.."
[0037] When an aromatic solvent or an epoxide containing liquid or
mixture of such liquids is included in a sealing composition of
this invention to modify the viscosity of an epoxy resin therein,
the solvent or epoxide containing liquid or mixture is generally
present in an amount in the range of from about 20% to about 40% by
weight of the epoxy resin in the sealing composition. An epoxide
containing liquid or a mixture of such liquids can also be utilized
as the only epoxide source in a sealing composition of this
invention.
[0038] While various epoxide containing liquids can be used,
preferred such liquids are the diglycidyl ether of 1,4-butanediol,
the diglycidyl ether of neopentyl glycol and the diglycidyl ether
of cyclohexanedimethanol. A suitable epoxide containing liquid
comprised of the diglycidyl ether of 1,4-butanediol is commercially
available from the Shell Chemical Company under the trade name
"HELOXY.RTM.67." This epoxide containing liquid has a viscosity at
25.degree. C. in the range of from about 13 to about 18
centipoises, a molecular weight of 202 and a one gram equivalent of
epoxide per about 120 to about 130 grams of the liquid. A suitable
diglycidyl ether of neopentylglycol is commercially available from
Shell Chemical Company under the trade name "HELOXY.RTM.68." This
epoxide containing liquid has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. in the
range of from about 13 to about 18 centipoises, a molecular weight
of 216 and a one gram equivalent of epoxide per about 130 to about
140 grams of the liquid. A suitable diglycidyl ether of
cyclohexanedimethanol is commercially available from Shell Chemical
Company under the trade name "HELOXY.RTM.107." This epoxide
containing liquid has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. in the range of
from about 55 to about 75 centipoises, a molecular weight of 256
and a one gram equivalent of epoxide per about 155 to about 165
grams of the liquid.
[0039] When an epoxide containing liquid or mixture is utilized as
the only epoxide source in a sealing composition of this invention,
the epoxide containing liquid or mixture is generally present in an
amount in the range of from about 40% to about 50% by weight of the
sealing composition.
[0040] A variety of hardening agents, including, but not limited
to, aliphatic amines, aliphatic tertiary amines, aromatic amines,
cycloaliphatic amines, heterocyclic amines, amidoamines,
polyamides, polyethylamines and carboxylic acid anhydrides can be
utilized in the compositions of this invention containing the above
described epoxy resins. Of these, aliphatic amines, aromatic amines
and carboxylic acid anhydrides are the most suitable.
[0041] Examples of aliphatic and aromatic amine hardening agents
are triethylenetetraamine, ethylenediamine,
N-cocoalkyltrimethylenediamine, isophoronediamine,
diethyltoluenediamine, and tris(dimethylaminomethylphe- nol).
Examples of suitable carboxylic acid anhydrides are
methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride, hexahydrophthalic anhydride,
maleic anhydride, polyazelaic polyanhydride and phthalic anhydride.
Of these, triethylenetetraamine, ethylenediamine,
N-cocoalkyltrimethylenediamine, isophoronediamine,
diethyltoluenediamine and tris(dimethylaminomethylphen- ol) are
preferred, with isophoronediamine, diethyltoluenediamine and
tris(dimethylaminomethylphenol) being the most preferred.
[0042] The hardening agent or agents utilized are generally
included in the sealing compositions of this invention in an amount
in the range of from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the
compositions.
[0043] Another component which can optionally be included in the
sealing compositions of this invention is a polymer which hydrates
with water and adds viscosity to the compositions to help maintain
the solids therein in suspension without adversely affecting the
sealing compositions such as by prematurely destabilizing the
rubber latex. The polymer is preferably a biopolymer which is not
degraded by microorganisms such as bacteria. A particularly
preferred biopolymer for use in accordance with this invention
which does not adversely affect the sealing compositions is welan
gum. When used, the welan gum is included in the sealing
compositions in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about
0.2% by weight of the compositions.
[0044] In order to facilitate the dispersal of solids in the
compositions, a dispersing agent can optionally be included
therein. While a variety of dispersing surfactants can be used,
preferred dispersing surfactants are the condensation reaction
product of acetone, formaldehyde and sodium sulfite, the
condensation reaction product of sodium naphthalene sulfonate and
formaldehyde and sodium-N-methyl-N-oleyltaurine mixed with sulfite
liquor. Of these, the condensation reaction product of acetone,
formaldehyde and sodium sulfite is most preferred. When used, the
dispersing agent is included in the compositions of this invention
in an amount in the range of from about 0.35% to about 0.55% by
weight of the compositions, more preferably from about 0.4% to
about 0.47%.
[0045] Another additive which can optionally be utilized is a
defoaming agent which prevents foaming during mixing and pumping of
the sealing compositions. Because the aqueous rubber latex includes
surfactants for emulsifying the latex which also function as
foaming agents, a large bubble, unstable foam can be produced when
the rubber latex is mixed with water and the other components of
the sealing compositions. The defoaming agent can comprise any of
the compounds well known for such capabilities such as the polyol
silicon compounds. A preferred such defoaming agent is
polydimethylsiloxane which is commercially available from
Halliburton Energy Services of Duncan, Okla., under the trade
designation "D-AIR.TM.3." When used, the defoaming agent is
generally included in the sealing compositions in an amount in the
range of from about 0.4% to about 1.8% by weight of the
compositions, more preferably from about 0.8% to about 1.2%.
[0046] In order to prevent the aqueous latex from prematurely
coagulating and increasing the viscosities of the sealing
compositions of this invention due to contact with coagulation
causing compounds in the water used or other source, an effective
amount of a latex stabilizing surfactant can be included in the
compositions. Latex stabilizing surfactants function to prevent
latex coagulation, and those which are particularly suitable for
use in accordance with this invention are surfactants having the
formula
R--Ph--O(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.mOH
[0047] wherein R is an alkyl group having from about 5 to about 30
carbon atoms, Ph is phenyl and m is an integer in the range of from
about 5 to about 50. Additional particularly suitable surfactants
have the general formula
R.sub.1(OR.sub.2).sub.nSO.sub.3X
[0048] wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of
alkyl groups having from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl
groups having 5 or 6 carbon atoms, C.sub.1- C.sub.4 alkyl
substituted cycloalkyl groups, phenyl, alkyl substituted phenyl of
the general formula (R.sub.3).sub.aPh-- wherein Ph is phenyl,
R.sub.3 is an alkyl group having from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms
and a is an integer of from 1 to 3, and phenyl-alkyl groups wherein
the alkyl groups have from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms and the
phenyl-alkyl groups have a total of from about 8 to about 28 carbon
atoms. R.sub.2 is a substituted ethylene group of the formula
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2R.sub.4 wherein R.sub.4 is selected from
hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or mixtures thereof, n is a number from 0
to about 40 provided that when R.sub.1 is phenyl or alkyl
substituted phenyl n is at least one, and X is any compatible
cation.
[0049] A preferred surfactant in the above defined group is
ethoxylated nonylphenyl containing in the range of from about 20 to
about 30 moles of ethylene oxide. Another preferred surfactant in
the group is a sodium salt having the general formula
R.sub.5--Ph(OR6).sub.oSO.sub.3X
[0050] wherein R.sub.5 is an alkyl group having in the range of
from 1 to about 9 carbon atoms, R.sub.6 is the group
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--, o is an integer from about 10 to about 20 and
X is a compatible cation. Yet another preferred surfactant in the
group is a sodium salt having the formula
R.sub.7(OR.sub.8).sub.pSO.sub.3X
[0051] wherein R.sub.7 is an alkyl group having in the range of
from about 5 to about 20 carbon atoms, R.sub.8 is the group
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--, p is an integer in the range of from about 10
to about 40 and X is a compatible cation. A particularly preferred
surfactant of this type is the sodium salt of a sulfonated compound
derived by reacting a C.sub.12 to C.sub.15 alcohol with about 15
moles of ethylene oxide having the formula
H(CH.sub.2).sub.12-15(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.15SO.sub.3Na
[0052] which is commercially available under the name "AVANEL
S150.TM." from PPG Mazer, Mazer Chemicals, a Division of PPG
Industries, Inc., of Gurnee, Ill.
[0053] Of the various latex stabilizing surfactants described above
which can be used, ethoxylated nonylphenol containing in the range
of from about 15 to about 40 moles of ethylene oxide and the sodium
salt of a sulfonated and ethoxylated compound having the formula
H(CH.sub.2).sub.12-15(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.15SO.sub.3Na are
preferred, with the latter being the most preferred.
[0054] When a latex stabilizing surfactant is included in the
sealing compositions of this invention, it is added in an amount up
to about 35% by weight of the aqueous rubber latex included
therein, i.e., in an amount in the range of from about 3% to about
6% by weight of the compositions.
[0055] The third sealing composition described above, i.e., the
composition containing a water swellable clay, a silane coupling
agent, an epoxy resin and a hardening agent, can include one or
more water swellable clays including, but not limited to sodium
bentonite, attapulgite, fuller's earth and sepiolite. Of these,
bentonite is preferred. The water swellable clay utilized is
included in the sealing composition in an amount in the range of
from about 10% to about 50% by weight of the composition.
[0056] The silane coupling agent included in the sealing
composition strengthens the bond between subterranean formation
surfaces and the hardened sealing composition.
[0057] While various silane compounds can be used, particularly
suitable silanes include
N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane,
aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 3-5 aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. Of
these, N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxv-silane is preferred
which is commercially available under the tradename "SILANE
A1120.TM." from the Whitco Corporation of Greenwich, Conn. The
silane coupling agent is included in the sealing composition in an
amount in the range of from about 0. 1% to about 5% by weight of
the composition.
[0058] A variety of other components can be included in the sealing
compositions of this invention to provide particular properties
required for specific applications. For example, in the first and
second sealing compositions described above, the polymerized rubber
can be vulcanized (crosslinked) by including a vulcanizing agent
such as sulfur therein. Inert fillers can be included in the
sealing compositions to increase the downhole yield of the
compositions and/or provide additional hardness to the sealing
compositions. Examples of such fillers are silica flour, silica
fume, pozzolans and the like. In applications where a well bore is
to be plugged and not subsequently drilled out, cement such as
Portland cement can be added to the sealing compositions. Another
component which can be added to the sealing compositions is a
deemulsifying surfactant which functions to break water in oil
emulsion drilling fluids. While such an emulsion breaker is
generally not needed in that when a sealing composition of this
invention contacts an inverted emulsion drilling fluid, it
functions itself to break the drilling fluid into its oil and water
components. Some inverted emulsions utilizing synthetic oils are
very difficult to break and the presence of a separate
deemulsifying agent in the sealing composition is helpful.
[0059] The sealing compositions can also be foamed with nitrogen or
other suitable gas in the presence of a foaming agent and foam
stabilizer for reducing the densities of the compositions,
preventing fluid loss and aiding in the diversion of the
compositions into zones to be sealed. Suitable foaming agents which
can be used are one or more sulfonated linear alcohols or a
cocoamidobetaine. A suitable foam stabilizer is comprised of a
mixture of methoxypolyethylene glycols. As is well understood by
those skilled in the art, a variety of other foaming agents and
foam stabilizers can also be used.
[0060] A preferred sealing composition of this invention is
comprised of water present in an amount of from about 30% to about
42% by weight of the composition, an aqueous 25%:75% by weight
styrene/butadiene latex which contains water in an amount of about
50% by weight of the latex present in an amount in the range of
from about 10% to about 12% by weight of the composition, a latex
stabilizer comprised of the sodium salt of a sulfonated and
ethoxylated compound having the formula
H(CH.sub.2).sub.12-15(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.15SO.sub.3Na present
in an amount in the range of from about 3% to about 6% by weight of
the composition, an alkyl quaternary ammonium bentonite clay
present in an amount in the range of from about 15% to about 19% by
weight of the composition, sodium carbonate present in an amount in
the range of from about 3.3% to about 3.7% by weight of the
composition, an epoxy resin comprised of a condensation product of
epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A present in an amount in the range
of from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the composition, an
epoxy resin hardening agent comprised of an aliphatic or aromatic
amine present in an amount in the range of from about 10% to about
20% by weight of the composition, welan gum biopolymer present in
an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 0.2% by weight
of the composition, a dispersing agent comprised of the
condensation reaction product of acetone, formaldehyde and sodium
sulfite present in an amount in the range of from about 0.4% to
about 0.47% by weight of the composition and a defoaming agent
comprised of polymethylsiloxane present in an amount in the range
of from about 0.8% to about 1.2% by weight of the composition.
[0061] Another preferred sealing composition of this invention is
comprised of an aqueous 25%:75% by weight styrene/butadiene latex
which contains water in an amount of about 50% by weight of the
latex present in an amount in the range of from about 40% to about
50% by weight of the sealing composition, a latex stabilizing
surfactant comprised of the sodium salt of a sulfonated and
ethoxylated compound having the formula
H(CH.sub.2).sub.12-15(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.15SO.sub.3Na present in
an amount in the range of from about 5% to about 15% by weight of
the sealing composition, an epoxy resin comprised of a condensation
product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A, an epoxidized bisphenol
A novolac resin or one or more epoxide containing liquids selected
from the group of the diglycidyl ether of 1,4-butanediol, the
diglycidyl ether of neopentylglycol or the diglycidyl ether of
cyclohexanedimethanol present in an amount in the range of from
about 40% to about 50% by weight of the sealing composition and an
epoxy hardening agent comprised of an aliphatic or aromatic amine
present in an amount in the range of from about 5% to about 30% by
weight of the sealing composition.
[0062] Yet another preferred sealing composition is comprised of a
water swellable clay comprised of sodium bentonite present in an
amount in the range of from about 20% to about 50% by weight of the
sealing composition, a silane coupling agent comprised of
N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-amin- opropyltrimethoxysilane present in an
amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the
sealing composition, an epoxy resin comprised of a condensation
product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A, one or more epoxide
containing liquids selected from the group of the diglycidyl ether
of 1,4-butanediol, the diglycidyl ether of neopentylglycol or the
diglycidyl ether of cyclohexanedimethanol present in an amount in
the range of from about 40% to about 50% by weight of the sealing
composition and an epoxide hardening agent comprised of an
aliphatic or aromatic amine present in an amount in the range of
from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the sealing
composition.
[0063] The sealing compositions of this invention can be prepared
in accordance with any of the well known mixing techniques so long
as the latex and latex stabilizing surfactant (if used) are not
directly admixed without prior dilution by other liquids. In a
preferred method, water (if used) is first introduced into a
blender. The defoamer and latex stabilizing surfactant (if used)
are then sequentially added with suitable agitation to disperse the
constituents. The epoxy resin, the hardening agent for the resin
and other liquid additives are then added followed by the dry
solids. The mixture is agitated for a sufficient period of time to
mix the components and form a pumpable non-foamed slurry. The
aqueous rubber latex (if used) is added last and mixed with the
sealing composition just prior to pumping the composition.
[0064] The methods of sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a
well bore using the sealing compositions described above basically
comprise the steps of preparing a sealing composition, introducing
the sealing composition into the subterranean zone by way of the
well bore, and then allowing the sealing composition to harden into
a firm but resilient sealing mass in the zone. Generally, the
sealing composition is prepared in mixing apparatus on the surface
and then pumped down the well bore into the zone to be sealed at a
high pressure whereby the viscous mass formed in the well bore is
squeezed into fractures and vugs. A fluid pressure above the
fracture gradient can also be used in some applications to fracture
the zone being sealed and force the sealing composition into the
fractures thereby increasing the overall strength of the zone.
[0065] The methods of sealing a subterranean zone using the second
and third sealing compositions described above are carried out so
that the sealing compositions do not contact the oil or water based
drilling fluids in the well bore until they reach the open hole
lost circulation zone of the well bore. That is, when the second
sealing composition described above is used, i.e., a sealing
composition comprised of an aqueous rubber latex, a latex
stabilizing surfactant, an epoxy resin or one or more epoxide
containing liquids and a hardening agent, the following procedure
is utilized.
[0066] With the well bore filled with oil or water based drilling
fluid, the open bottom end of the drill string or a work string
(hereinafter referred to as the "pipe string") is positioned about
one hundred feet above the lost circulation zone. A spacer of water
is pumped into the pipe string followed by the sealing composition
which is followed by another spacer of water. When the first spacer
reaches the bottom of the pipe string, the pumping of the sealing
composition is stopped and the oil or water based drilling fluid is
pumped through the annulus at a rate approximately twice the rate
at which the sealing composition was being pumped. When the
drilling fluid pumping pressure increases, the pumping of the
sealing composition is continued until the sealing composition has
been pumped into the open hole zone of the well bore. The pipe
string is then moved upwardly away from the lost circulation zone.
The pumping of the drilling fluid is continued until the fracture
initiation pressure is reached. Drilling fluid is then circulated
through the pipe string to remove sealing composition from the
inside surfaces thereof, and the sealing composition is allowed to
harden. Thereafter, the well bore is drilled through the sealing
composition and normal drilling is continued.
[0067] When the third sealing composition is used, i.e., a sealing
composition comprised of a water swellable clay, a silane coupling
agent, an epoxy resin or one or more epoxide containing liquids and
a hardening agent, the procedure followed is the same as above
except that the well is full of water based drilling fluid and oil
spacers are utilized instead of water spacers.
[0068] As previously mentioned, the sealing compositions of this
invention enter the weakest portions of the zone first followed by
other portions including those where fluids crossflow through the
well bore or blow-out into the well bore. The sealing compositions
stop drilling fluid losses and allow high drilling fluid densities
to be utilized when needed while drilling ahead. Once the sealing
compositions have been placed and form a firmer but resilient
sealing mass in a subterranean zone, they increase the fracture
gradient to a higher level that can eliminate the need for
intermediate casing, drilling liners and the like. Because the
sealing compositions readily divert to other weak zones in the well
bore, the integrity of the entire well bore is improved by the
sealing compositions. In some applications it may be necessary to
pump an activator fluid, e.g., an aqueous calcium chloride solution
and/or oil ahead of the sealing composition into the zone to be
sealed so that the sealing composition will react to form a viscous
mass prior to being squeezed into the zone.
[0069] In order to further illustrate the compositions and methods
of the present invention, the following examples are given.
EXAMPLE 1
[0070] A sealing composition of this invention (the first sealing
composition described above) was prepared comprised of water
present in an amount of about 3.32% by weight of the composition,
an aqueous 25%:75% by weight styrene/butadiene latex which
contained water in an amount of about 50% by weight of the latex
present in an amount of about 3.32% by weight of the composition, a
latex stabilizer comprised of the sodium salt of a sulfonated and
ethoxylated compound having the formula
H(CH.sub.2).sub.12-15(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.15SO.sub.3Na present
in an amount of about 0.67% by weight of the composition, an alkyl
quaternary ammonium bentonite clay present in an amount of about
3.6% by weight of the composition, sodium carbonate present in an
amount of about 0.36% by weight of the composition, welan gum
biopolymer present in an amount of about 0.03% by weight of the
composition, a dispersing agent comprised of the condensation
reaction product of acetone, formaldehyde and sodium sulfite
present in an amount of about 0.05% by weight of the composition
and a defoaming agent comprised of polymethylsiloxane present in an
amount of about 0.002% by weight of the composition. Three
different epoxy resins identified in the Table below were combined
with portions of the above described compositions along with a
diethyltoluenediamine epoxy resin hardening agent in the amounts
shown in the Table below. The three compositions were each mixed at
140.degree. F. for the time required for them to reach a viscosity
of 100 B.sub.c. Portions of the compositions were cured at
140.degree. F. for 72 hours and then tested for compressive
strength. Additional portions of the composition were mixed with
equal volumes of a water-in-oil emulsion and the resulting mixtures
were cured at 140.degree. F. for 72 hours after which their
compressive strengths were determined. The results of these tests
are shown in the Table below.
1 TABLE Time Amount of Amount of Required Compressive Strengths
Epoxy Resin Hardening Agent at 140.degree. F. After 72 hrs in the
in the to Reach 100 at 140.degree. F. psi Composition, %
Composition, % B.sub.c Without With Composition by weight of by
weight of Viscosity, Water-in-oil Water-in-oil Tested the
Composition the Composition hr:min Emulsion Emulsion A.sup.1 58
12.2 4:00 40.sup.4 12.sup.4 B.sup.2 58 14.3 3:50 27.sup.4 10.sup.4
C.sup.3 58 12.2 3:50 7.sup.4 5.sup.4 .sup.1The composition
contained an epoxy resin comprised of the condensation product of
epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A and was added as a non-ionic
aqueous dispersion commercially available from Shell Chemical
Company under the trade designation "EPI-REZ .RTM.-3510-W-60."
.sup.2The composition contained an epoxy resin comprised of the
condensation product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A and was
added as a non-ionic aqueous dispersion commercially available from
Shell Chemical Company under the trade designation "EPI-REZ
.RTM.-3522-W-60." .sup.3The composition contained an epoxy resin
comprised of an epoxidized bisphenol A novolac resin and was added
as a non-ionic aqueous dispersion commercially available from Shell
Chemical Company under the trade designation "EPI-REZ
.RTM.-5003-W-55." .sup.4The cured composition was firm but
resilient and retained its shape.
[0071] As can be seen in the Table above, the compositions of the
present invention form firm resilient sealing masses which retain
their shape and have good compressive strengths.
EXAMPLE 2
[0072] Another sealing composition of this invention (the second
composition described above) was prepared and mixed with an equal
portion of a synthetic oil based drilling fluid. The resulting
mixture was comprised of an aqueous 25%:75% by weight
styrene/butadiene latex which contained water in an amount of about
50% by weight of the latex present in the mixture in an amount of
about 20.8% by weight of the mixture, a latex stabilizer comprised
of the sodium salt of a sulfonated and ethoxylated compound having
the formula H(CH.sub.2).sub.12-15(CH.sub.2CH.-
sub.2O).sub.15SO.sub.3Na present in an amount of about 4.2% by
weight of the mixture, an epoxy resin comprised of an aqueous
dispersion of the condensation product of epichlorohydrin and
bisphenol A ("EPI-REZ.RTM.-3510-W-60") present in an amount of
about 20% by weight of the mixture, an epoxy resin hardening agent
comprised of diethyltoluenediamine present in an amount of about 5%
by weight of the mixture and the synthetic oil based drilling fluid
present in an amount of about 50% by weight of the mixture. A
portion of the mixture was mixed at 140.degree. F. for the time
required for it to reach a viscosity of 100B.sub.c. Another portion
of the mixture was then cured at 140.degree. F. for 72 hours after
which its compressive strength was determined.
[0073] The time required to reach 100 B.sub.c was 4 hrs:25 min. and
the compressive strength of the mixture was 52 psi.
EXAMPLE 3
[0074] The third sealing composition described above was prepared
and mixed with an equal portion of a water based drilling fluid.
The resulting mixture was comprised of sodium bentonite present in
the mixture in an amount of 6% by weight of the mixture, a silane
coupling agent, i.e.,
N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane present in an amount
of 0.5% by weight of the mixture, an epoxy resin comprised of an
aqueous dispersion of the condensation product of epichlorohydrin
and bisphenol A present in an amount of about 34% by weight of the
mixture, an epoxy resin hardening agent comprised of
diethyltoluenediamine present in an amount of about 9.5% by weight
of the mixture and the water based drilling fluid present in an
amount of about 50% by weight of the mixture.
[0075] The time required for the mixture to reach a viscosity of
100 B.sub.c was 3 hrs:30 min. and the compressive strength of the
mixture was 38 psi.
[0076] Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the
objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as
those which are inherent therein. While numerous changes may be
made by those skilled in the art, such changes are encompassed
within the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *