Abstract: A method of using a water based solution having a controllable gel time. The method includes providing a predetermined ratio of a water soluble silicate solution having at least one alkali metal, providing a predetermined ratio of a water dispersible polymer, and providing a predetermined ratio of a water soluble initiator containing a reactive carbonyl compound. One embodiment of the method also includes combining the water soluble silicate solution, the dispersible polymer, and the water soluble initiator and injecting downhole in a single stage treatment. Another embodiment of the method includes pre-mixing at least the water soluble silicate solution and the dispersible polymer into a mixture, then injecting the water soluble initiator and the mixture downhole separately for a multi-stage treatment with in situ mixing.

Abstract: A water based solution having a controllable gel time is disclosed. The solution has predetermined ratios of a water soluble silicate solution having at least one alkali metal, a predetermined ratio of a water dispersible polymer, and a predetermined ratio of a water soluble initiator containing a reactive carbonyl compound.