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Abstract

Several new treatment processes and compositions for practicing these processes are provided which substantially alter the fluid flow and surface characteristics of porous permeable particulate formations, especially subterranean formations intersected by an oil well. The compositions of this invention also provide methods of increasing viscosity or gelling aqueous fluids, especially acids, which can be used to treat such earthen formations. Treatment of the earthen formations with the compositions of this invention can substantially modify the permeability and surface characteristics of the formation to prevent or reduce the flow of aqueous fluids, especially water and formation brines through that portion of the formation, thereby reducing the water-oil ratio of fluid flowing through or produced from that formation and in some cases enhancing the hydrocarbon production. The treatment of this invention uses branched organic polymers of a wide molecular weight range. The branches are preferably hydrophilic and the polymer contains bonding groups (e.g. ionic bonding groups) which serve to attract or repel a substrate, a particular formation, suspended solids, other polymers or segments, carrier fluid or a fluid to be treated.

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First Claim