| abstract |
The permeability of higher permeability zones of a subterranean reservoir of heterogeneous permeability is reduced by injecting (1) an aqueous solution of a crosslinkable water-soluble polymer, a material capable under certain conditions of at least partially crosslinking the polymer to form a gelatinous precipitate, a water-soluble alkaline material in an amount sufficient to maintain the pH of the aqueous solution above the pH at which crosslinkÂing occurs until the composition has passed a desired distance through the reservoir, and a water-soluble surface active agent; and (2) a gas mixture comprising an acid gas. A gelatinous foam forms in situ useful for blocking escape of fluids, both gaseous and liquid, into the higher permeability zones of the reservoir during enhanced recovery, typically by carbon dioxide flooding. The polymer-surfactant solution and the gas mixture can be injected in alternating slugs to enhance formation of the gelatinous foam and to allow for plugging of higher permeability zones progressively encountered during recovery operations. |