Permeability modification and water shut off composition and process

Abstract

A composition and process for reducing the permeability of a matrix without completely blocking the matrix {is describe}. The composition uses a nano-sized water insoluble particle as a template to control the permeability by determining the size of the holes formed in the matrix.

1 . A process for reducing the permeability of a solid matrix by introducing into the reservoir matrix a composition composed of the following
 a) a material capable of forming a impervious solid matrix precursor,   b) a water insoluble, {oil soluble} or oil dispersible nano-sized material that can be used as template to create pore spaces In the impervious gel,   c) a water immiscible carrier for the template,   d) a material that can initiate the controlled gellation of the tight otherwise impervious gel,   e one or more emulsifiers, and,   f an aqueous carrier for the solid matrix precursor, and,   
       allowing the composition to harden creating small pores within the larger channels of the matrix. 
     
     
         2 . The process for reducing the permeability of a solid matrix described in  claim 1  where the material capable of forming a tight impervious solid matrix is silica gel. 
     
     
         3 . The process for reducing the permeability of a solid matrix described in  claim 1  where the
 water insoluble, oil soluble or oil dispersible hydrophobic core is chosen from the group: magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, oil soluble resins, oil soluble waxes of different particle sizes and porous nano particles of different sizes. 
 
     
     
         4 . The process for reducing the permeability of a solid matrix described in  claim 1  where the water immiscible carrier is chosen from the group: crude oil, mineral oil, diesel oil, hydrocarbon solvent, vegetable oils, synthetic esters, natural fatty esters, aromatic solvent. 
     
     
         5 . The process for reducing the permeability of a solid matrix described in  claim 1  where material that can initiate the controlled gelation of the tight impervious gel is chosen from the group: various salts, inorganic acids, organic acids, esters, oil soluble acids. 
     
     
         6 . The process for reducing the permeability of a solid matrix described in  claim 1  where the material that can initiate the controlled gelation of the tight otherwise impervious gel is added along with the other components described in  claim 1  into the pore spaces of the matrix. 
     
     
         7 . The process for reducing the permeability of a solid matrix described in  claim 1  where the material that can initiate the controlled gellation of the tight otherwise impervious gel is added after the other components described in  claim 1  have been introduced to the pore spaces of the matrix.