Abstract: A novel cross-linked polymer is obtained by cross-linking polyvinyl alcohol with a cross-linking agent which is a mixture of a phenolic component and an aldehyde or a mixture of a naphtholic component and an aldehyde. The resulting polymer is exceptionally thermally stable and, therefore, can be used as an effective permeability control agent in all enhanced oil recovery operations, including steam flooding.

Abstract: A process for killing and suspending mixtures of hydrocarbonaceous fluid production, particularly oil, in a formation containing same which minimizes formation damage. First, a "Spacer volume" of liquid containing a chemical blowing agent is directed into the formation's productive interval. Said blowing agent decomposes in the formation and generates gas sufficient to force hydrocarbonaceous fluids away from a wellbore in said formation. Afterwards, a solidifiable pumpable gel mixture is placed via a wellbore into the formation's productive interval and also within said wellbore. Said mixture solidifies in the formation and forms a gel plug within the wellbore. Thereafter, a light weight cement is placed over said gel plug effectively "killing" and suspending the production of hydrocarbonaceous fluids.

Abstract: Polymers and gels useful for permeability control in subterranean formations, said polymers having structural forms of ABA triblocks and (AB).sub.n multiblock are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel cross-linked polymer is obtained by cross-linking polyvinyl alcohol with a cross-linking agent which is a mixture of a phenolic component and an aldehyde or a mixture of a naphtholic component and an aldehyde. The resulting polymer is exceptionally thermally stable and, therefore, can be used as an effective permeability control agent in all enhanced oil recovery operations, including steam flooding.

Abstract: A composition of matter wherein amino resins such as melamine formaldehyde ("MF") resins modify polysaccharide polymers thereby forming gels with transitional metal ions useful for profile control where said polymers have amine, amide, hydroxyl and thiol functionalities. Said gels are thermally stable, brine tolerant and rehealable. Said resin modified polysaccharide polymers can be used in their liquid or ungelled state as a mobility control agent in a reservoir during the removal of hydrocarbonaceous fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A composition of matter wherein amino resins such as melamine formaldehyde ("MF") resins co-gel and crosslink with polymers useful for profile control where said polymers have amine, amide, hydroxyl and thiol functionalities. Resulting gels are useful as profile control agents for high temperature reservoirs during a water-flooding operation.

Abstract: Improved polymer gels for oil reservoir permeability control have a continuous, cross-linked polymer phase having a relatively low density of cross-linking with domains of clustered, high density cross-linking. The clustered high density cross-linkings contribute to the gel's shear stability and gel strength while the continuous, low density phase contributes to good injectivity. Gels of this kind are produced by cross-linking a base polymer with a relatively low density of cross-linking sites with a reinforcing polymer having a higher cross-linking site density. Suitable polymers have ligand groups which are capable of forming coordination cross-linkages with polyvalent metals, especially chromium and include polyacrylamides as base polymers and polyacrylic acids as reinforcing polymers.

Abstract: A method for reducing the permeability in a desired area of a formation wherein a foamed gel is formed in-situ by injecting a solution into said formation. Said solution comprises a gellable composition including water; a cross linkable polysaccharide biopolymer; an aminoplast resin which reinforces said biopolymer; and sufficient transitional metal ions to form a gel of the desired size and strength. The gelled solution is foamed by including therein a chemical surfactant, and a chemical blowing agent. Once in the formation to the desired depth, the chemical blowing agent decomposes and generates a gas sufficient to foam the gelled solution. The gelled foam stiffens and reduces the permeability in a desired area.

Abstract: A method for minimizing formation damage during gravel packing operations in a loosely consolidated hydrocarbonaceous fluid producing formation penetrated by at least one well. Solidifiable chemical blocking agents are used to keep intrusive fluids, e.g. kill fluids, from the hydrocarbonaceous fluid producing interval of said formation during said gravel packing operation. Said blocking agents comprise gels wherein amino resins such as melamine formaldehyde ("MF") resins co-gel and crosslink with polymers useful for profile control where said polymers have amine, amide, hydroxyl and thiol functionalities.

Abstract: Polymers and gels useful for permeability control in subterranean formations, said polymers having structural forms of ABA triblocks and (AB).sub.n multiblock are disclsoed.

Abstract: A composition of matter wherein amino resins such as melamine formaldehyde ("MF") resins modify polysaccharide polymers thereby forming gels with transitional metal ions useful for profile control where said polymers have amine, amide, hydroxyl and thiol funmctionalities. Said gels are thermally stable, brine tolerant and rehealable. Said resin modified polysaccharide polymers can be used in their liquid or ungelled state as a mobility control agent in a reservoir during the removal of hydrocarbonaceous fluids therefrom.

Abstract: High permeable thermally fluid swept zones in an oil containing formation are selectively plugged by a high temperature selective gel-forming solution without plugging the less permeable unswept portion of the formation. Ungelled solution in the less permeable unswept portion of the formation in the vicinity of the injection well is removed and a thermal fluid is injected into the formation that sweeps oil from the less permeable, unswept portion of the formation, thereby resulting in more complete displacement of oil from the formation.

Abstract: A composition of matter where a polymer is partially hydrolyzed to form a polymer intermediate which can be gelled. Said polymer intermediate consists of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-3 sulfonate, N-vinyl-N-methyl acetamide, acrylamide, and an alkali metal hydroxide. When cross-linked with a transitional metal ion said polymer intermediate forms a gel suitable for profile control use under harsh conditions. Said gel is exceptionally stable under the hot temperature and saline conditions encountered in profile control usage during a water flood or carbon dioxide oil recovery operation.

Abstract: The permeability of a subterranean oil-bearing formation is controlled by the injection of an aqueous solution of a cross-linked block copolymer containing polar and non-polar segments, with the polar segments generally making up at least 50 percent, usually 60 to 99 percent, of the copolymer. The polar segments are derived from an alkylene oxide and the non-polar segments from styrene or an alkyl styrene either by itself or with a diene. The copolymers are cross-linked with an amino resin or a combination of a phenolic and a water-dispersible aldehyde component. The resulting copolymer gels are stable at low pH conditions, such as those of CO.sub.2 flood conditions.

Abstract: A composition of matter wherein amino resins such as melamine formaldehyde ("MF") resins modify biopolymers thereby forming gels with transitional metal ions useful for profile control where said polymers have amine, amide, hydroxyl and thiol functionalities. Said gels are thermally stable, brine tolerant and rehealable. Said resin modified biopolymers can be used in their liquid or ungelled state as a mobility control agent in a reservoir during the removal of hydrocarbonaceous fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating subterranean formation by reducing formation permeability by injecting into the formation through a well bore, a first polymer solution including a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(vinylalcohol-co-vinylcarboxyl), ##STR1## poly(vinylalcohol-co-vinylether), ##STR2## wherein: R is H, alkyl, alkyl sulfonate or aryl groups having not more than 10 carbon atoms;X is NR.sub.2, OH, OR, O.sup.-, alkylammonium, or alkylsulfonate; anda, b, and c are mole fractions of each co-monomer unit such that a+b+c=1, a>0, and b>0,which is crosslinked with an ion selected from the group consisting of multivalent transition metals of the Group IIIa-VIa, VII, and Ib-Vb of the Periodic Table.

Abstract: Homogeneous, strong and stable zirconium crosslinked gels prepared from a crosslinking composition comprised of a zirconium (IV) compound and a water-soluble compound containing a sulfate or carboxylate anion are provided which are particularly well suited in secondary enhanced oil recovery operations.

Abstract: Polymers used for the control of permeability in stratified subterranean formations are gelled in a controlled manner by the use of rapid and delayed gelling agents. The polymer is first gelled lightly by the use of a rapid gelling agent which partly cross-links the polymer to produce a viscous solution which will selectively enter only the more permeable regions of the formation but can still be readily injected. A delayed cross-linking agent completes the cross-linking process after the polymer has been selectively emplaced to form a firm, full strength gel. Suitable rapid cross-linking agents may be formed by the reaction of alkalies and chromic salts at specified ratios or by the redox reduction of chromium from its higher oxidation states under certain specified conditions. Delayed cross-linking agents are exemplified by chromic salts. Polymers which may be used include polyacrylamides and polysaccharide biopolymers.

Abstract: A method of upgrading residual oil includes cracking the residual oil at a severity which is between visbreaking and coking to produce a light cracked product and a heavy bottom product. The heavy bottom product is mixed with diluents and additives which improves the flow characteristics to produce a pumpable fuel.

Abstract: A combination process of oxidation/mild coking and in-situ deasphalting provides a process wherein upgraded crude with high levels of demetalation and low solids rejection is produced.