Abstract: Compositions and methods are used for reducing the permeability of high fluid permeability segments of underground strata, the compositions being injected into the high permeability segments in liquid form and there gelled to reduce the permeability of the segments. A first group of compositions has a pH of at least 4 and comprises a sulfited derivative of a tannin extract together with furfural, formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative. The second group of compositions comprises furfural and a gellable vegetable material which can be a tannin extract, a sulfited derivative of a tannin extract, a catechin, an alkaline extract of a coniferous bark or a lignin or sulfonated lignin derivative.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the enhanced recovery of oil from an oil-bearing stratum having a zone of high fluid permeability through plugging of this zone by introducing into the stratum a gelable solution which, in the case of use under moderately high operating temperatures in the stratum, comprises a polyphenolic lignin extract, a formaldehyde source and sufficient alkaline material to give a solution having a pH of at least 9.0 and which, in the case of higher operating temperatures, comprises a lignosulfonate and a source of formaldehyde or tannin in aqueous solution.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the enhanced recovery of oil from an oil-bearing stratum having a zone of high fluid permeability through plugging of this zone by introducing into the stratum a gelable solution which, in the case of use under moderately high operating temperatures in the stratum, comprises a polyphenolic lignin extract, a formaldehyde source and sufficient alkaline material to give a solution having a pH of at least 9.0 and which, in the case of higher operating temperatures, comprises a lignosulfonate and a source of formaldehyde or tannin in aqueous solution.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are used for reducing the permeability of high fluid permeability segments of underground strata, the compositions being injected into the high permeability segments in liquid form and there gelled to reduce the permeability of the segments. A first group of compositions has a pH of at least 4 and comprises a sulfited derivative of a tannin extract together with furfural, formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative. The second group of compositions comprises furfural and a gellable vegetable material which can be a tannin extract, a sulfited derivative of a tannin extract, a catechin, an alkaline extract of a coniferous bark or a lignin or sulfonated lignin derivative.