US5169559A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for forming a high viscosity gel
Assignee: Texaco Inc
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Filing: 1991-12-26
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Granted: 1992-12-08
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Expires: 2011-12-26
Abstract
Abstract The invention is a method for forming a high viscosity gel by mixing about 0.9% to about 3.0% by weight of hydroxy propyl cellulose having an average molecular weight greater than about 1,000,000 about 0.4% to about 3.0% by weight of an alkali metal dodecyl sulfate in the ratio of about 3:1 to about 1:1.5 of cellulose to sulfate, and a brine having a salinity greater than about 20,000 ppm TDS.
Inventors
- 👤 Douglas G. Naae
- 👤 Lawrence E. Whittington
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:34
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/60; C09K8/84; C09K8/86; C09K8/88; C09K8/90; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S507/00; Y10S507/935
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for forming a high viscosity gel, comprising mixing an aqueous solution of about 0.4% to about 2% hydroxy propyl cellulose having an average molecular weight greater than about 1,000,000 with about 0.2% to about 2% by weight alkali metal dodecyl sulfate in the ratio of about 3:1 to about 1:1.5 of cellulose to sulfate, and sufficient brine to give a salinity greater than about 9,000 ppm total dissolved solids.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for forming a high viscosity gel, comprising mixing an aqueous solution of about 0.4% to about 2% hydroxy propyl cellulose having an average molecular weight greater than about 1,000,000 with about 0.2% to about 2% by weight alkali metal dodecyl sulfate in the ratio of about 3:1 to about 1:1.5 of cellulose to sulfate, and sufficient brine to give a salinity greater than about 9,000 ppm total dissolved solids.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising adding about 0.05% to about 1% by weight of a solubilizer to said aqueous solution to prevent phase separation from said aqueous solution of the alkali metal dodecyl sulfate when said aqueous solution has a divalent ion concentration greater than about 1,500 ppm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the solubilizer is an alcohol ethoxy sulfate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein sufficient salt is mixed to give a salinity greater than about 25,000 ppm total dissolved solids.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-12-08 | 1996-06-08 | 1996-12-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-12-08 | 2000-06-08 | 2000-12-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-12-08 | 2004-06-08 | 2004-12-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |