Patents by Inventor Nick O. Wolf

Nick O. Wolf has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Reducing the permeability of a rock formation
    Patent number: 4819723
    Abstract: Permeability of a highly permeable zone in a subterranean formation is reduced by injecting an oil external emulsion of an aqueous solution of alkali metal silicate. Emulsion adjacent the well bore is broken by the application of microwave. Released alkali metal silicate then forms a plug of gel at this point, through contact with formation brines, which holds the rest of the emulsion in place until it breaks down and gels. In one aspect a second internal phase containing a gelation agent is provided to accelerate gelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Whitfill, Nick O. Wolf, Jerry D. Purkaple