David Asher Falk

US Patent:

49305751, Jun 5, 1990

Filed:

Mar 31, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/331934

Inventors:

David O. Falk - Denver CO

Assignee:

Marathon Oil Company - Findlay OH

International Classification:

E21B 700
E21B 33138
E21B 3314

US Classification:

166295

Abstract:

A method of protecting a permeable formation penetrated by a well bore against damage by subsequent treatment operations. In protecting the formation against damage by cement used in installing a casing, a well bore is drilled through the formation and liquid composition capable of gelling is introduced into the area of the formation. After the gel is formed it is drilled out, leaving a sufficient amount still plugging the voids in the formation wall. Subsequently, after installing the casing, the gel reverts to liquid form, leaving the permeable formation in condition for production of the well. Preferably, the gel contains a breaker to cause the gel to revert to liquid form after a predetermined period of time.

US Patent:

44858752, Dec 4, 1984

Filed:

Feb 28, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/470751

Inventors:

David O. Falk - Denver CO

Assignee:

Marathon Oil Company - Findlay OH

International Classification:

E02D 312
E21B 33138

US Classification:

166295

Abstract:

Highly permeable zones in a subterranean formation are selectively plugged by injecting an aqueous solution of an acrylamide polymer, a phenol and an aldehyde via a well into the highly permeable zones. The solution forms a non-flowing, water insoluble polymer resin in situ at a temperature of from about 50. degree. C. to 100. degree. C. and an alkaline pH over a period of from about 1 to 10 days. The polymer resin plugs the highly permeable zones of the formation.

US Patent:

43433634, Aug 10, 1982

Filed:

Jan 2, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/221966

Inventors:

Charles J. Norton - Denver CO
David O. Falk - Denver CO

Assignee:

Marathon Oil Company - Findlay OH

International Classification:

E21B 33138
E21B 4322

US Classification:

166281

Abstract:

A process for selectively reducing the permeability of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore and having an injection surface plugged by crosslinked dry polymer. The process comprises the sequential injection of an aqueous solution containing an oxidizing agent, an aqueous spacer medium, and an aqueous solution having at least one dry polymer dissolved therein. Sequential injection of these aqueous solutions can be repeated to achieve the desired degree of injectivity and permeability reduction.

US Patent:

49684426, Nov 6, 1990

Filed:

Mar 30, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/331405

Inventors:

David O. Falk - Denver CO

Assignee:

Marathon Oil Company - Findlay OH

International Classification:

E21B 4326

US Classification:

252 8551

Abstract:

A composition for treating a subterranean formation and a method of treatment. An aqueous gel composition is formed by mixing a carboxylate-containing polymer with a crosslinking agent comprised of chromic carboxylate. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is incorporated as a single-component gel breaker. When introduced into a permeable formation, the solution forms a gel which makes the formation impermeable. After a predetermined period of time the gel breaker breaks the gel to a predetermined degree which restores partial or limited permeability to the formation.

US Patent:

44731191, Sep 25, 1984

Filed:

Apr 14, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/484758

Inventors:

David O. Falk - Denver CO

Assignee:

Marathon Oil Company - Findlay OH

International Classification:

E21B 33138

US Classification:

166295

Abstract:

Highly permeable zones in a subterranean formation are selectively plugged by injecting a melamine formaldehyde solution via a well into the highly permeable zones. The solution is water soluble and preferentially enters water-containing zones where it reacts to form a resin at a temperature of from about 25. degree. C. to about 120. degree. C. and a pH of from about 7 to 12 and over a period of from about 1 to 4 days. The resulting resin substantially plugs the highly permeable zones in the formation.

US Patent:

49287630, May 29, 1990

Filed:

Mar 31, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/331486

Inventors:

David O. Falk - Denver CO

Assignee:

Marathon Oil Company - Findlay OH

International Classification:

F21B 33138
F21B 4332
F21B 4700

US Classification:

166250

Abstract:

A method of preventing intrusion of fluid into a horizontal well bore. A quantity of liquid composition capable of gelling and containing a breaker is introduced into a horizontal well bore up to a point corresponding to the bottom of the intrusion zone. After the liquid composition gels into a temporary gel, a second liquid composition capable of gelling into a permanent gel is introduced into the zone to shut off fluid flow from the zone. The temporary gel prevents flow of the permanent gel into the horizontal well bore. Thereafter the breaker in the temporary gel causes the gel to revert to a liquid, which is removed from the horizontal well bore upon production of the well.

US Patent:

44613520, Jul 24, 1984

Filed:

Feb 28, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/470753

Inventors:

David O. Falk - Denver CO

Assignee:

Marathon Oil Company - Findlay OH

International Classification:

E21B 33138

US Classification:

166295

Abstract:

The highly permeable zones of a subterranean formation are selectively plugged by injecting an aqueous solution of an acrylamide polymer, an aldehyde and a borate salt via a well into the highly permeable zones. The solution forms a non-flowing, water-soluble polymer gel in situ at a temperature of from about 20. degree. C. to 100. degree. C. at an alkaline pH over a period of from about 2 to 72 hours. The polymer gel plugs the highly permeable zones.

US Patent:

44820151, Nov 13, 1984

Filed:

Apr 14, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/484759

Inventors:

David O. Falk - Denver CO

Assignee:

Marathon Oil Company - Findlay OH

International Classification:

E21B 4312

US Classification:

166288

Abstract:

Highly permeable zones in a subterranean formation vertically bounded by a relatively less permeable zone are selectively plugged by injecting an emulsion of melamine and formaldehyde in an alcohol medium via a well into the highly permeable zones. The emulsion is hydrocarbon soluble are preferentially envelops the highly permeable zones where it reacts to form a resin at a temperature of from about 80. degree. C. to about 250. degree. C. and a pH of from about 7 to 12 and over a period of from about 1 to 4 days. The resulting resin substantially plugs the highly permeable zones in the formation.