Multi-component aqueous gel solution for control of delayed gelation timing and for resulting gel properties

1. A method of using a water based solution having a controllable gel time, the method comprising:

providing a predetermined ratio of a water soluble silicate solution having at least one alkali metal;

providing a predetermined ratio of a non-crosslinked water dispersible polymer;

providing a predetermined ratio of a water soluble initiator containing at least one organic reactive carbonyl compound other than aldehyde; and

combining the water soluble silicate solution, the dispersible polymer, and the water soluble initiator to form a single stage alkaline fluid containing the non-crosslinked polymer;

injecting the single stage alkaline fluid containing the non-crosslinked polymer into fluid flow channels;

plugging and sealing of said fluid flow channels with said single stage alkaline fluid containing the non-crosslinked polymer; and

blocking flow of fluids through said fluid flow channels with said single stage fluid containing the non-crosslinked polymer.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of water soluble silicate solution is determined to select a gelation time of the solution and resulting gel properties.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of polymer is determined to enhance resulting gel stability and strength.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of initiator is determined to select a gelation time of the solution and resulting gel properties.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising utilizing the temperature of the combined water soluble silicate solution, dispersible polymer, and water soluble initiator to control gel time of the solution and resulting gel properties.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of combining the water soluble silicate solution and the dispersible polymer, and the water soluble initiator further comprises mixing the water soluble silicate solution and the dispersible polymer for pumping then pumping the remaining the water soluble initiator solution on site for a delayed mixing and gelling.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising pumping the combined water soluble silicate solution, dispersible polymer, and water soluble initiator into a porous or fractured reservoir rock for delayed gelation, diversion, and/or plugging of fluid flow.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising pumping the combined water soluble silicate solution, dispersible polymer, and water soluble initiator into one or more thief zones of a well.

9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising pumping the combined water soluble silicate solution, dispersible polymer, and water soluble initiator into a subterranean pipe for restoration of pipe integrity.

10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising applying the water soluble silicate solution, dispersible polymer, and water soluble initiator combined into the pores of materials for binding, sealing, strengthening or protecting said materials.

11. A method of using a water based solution having a controllable gel time, the method comprising:

providing a predetermined ratio of a water soluble silicate solution having at least one alkali metal;

providing a predetermined ratio of a non-crosslinked water dispersible polymer;

providing a predetermined volume of a water soluble initiator containing at least one reactive carbonyl compound;

combining the water soluble silicate solution and the dispersible polymer creating a single stage alkaline fluid composition containing the non-crosslinked polymer;

pumping a first portion of the predetermined volume of a water soluble initiator into fluid flow channels;

pumping said composition containing the non-crosslinked polymer into said fluid flow channels;

pumping a second portion of the predetermined volume of a water soluble initiator into said fluid flow channels;

plugging and sealing of said fluid flow channels with said single stage alkaline fluid composition containing the non-crosslinked polymer; and

blocking flow of fluids through said fluid flow channels with said single stage fluid containing the non-crosslinked polymer.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the ratio of water soluble silicate solution is determined to select a gelation time of the solution and resulting gel properties.

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the ratio of polymer is determined to enhance resulting gel stability and strength.

14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the ratio of initiator is determined to select a gelation time of the solution and resulting gel properties.

15. The method of claim 11 , wherein the at least one alkali metal is selected from the group consisting of sodium and potassium.

16. The method of claim 11 , wherein the pH of the water soluble silicate-polymer solution is from about 10 to 13.

17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamide, polymethacrylamide and cellulosic polymers.

18. The method of claim 11 , wherein the at least one reactive carbonyl compound is selected from the group consisting of esters, amides, carbonates, anhydrides, ketones, carbohydrates, carbamates, ureas, and hydantoins.

19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the at least one reactive carbonyl compound is selected from carbonic acid, or carbon dioxide in a gaseous, liquid or supercritical state.

20. The method of Claim 1 wherein the non-crosslinked water dispersible polymer is less than 0.5 percent by weight of the solution.

21. The method of claim 11 wherein the non-crosslinked water dispersible polymer is less than 0.5 percent by weight of the solution.