Method of sealing subterranean zones

Abstract

A method of sealing subterranean zones is described. A first step involves preparing a liquid slurry. A second step involves mixing bits of rubber from recycled tires into the liquid slurry. A third step involves pumping the liquid slurry containing the bits of rubber down a well.

1 . A method of sealing subterranean zones, comprising the steps of: 
 providing bits of rubber from recycled tires; and    using a liquid to carry the bits of rubber down a well.    
   
   
       2 . A method of sealing subterranean zones, comprising the steps of: 
 preparing a liquid slurry;    mixing bits of rubber from recycled tires into the liquid slurry; and    pumping the liquid slurry containing the bits of rubber down a well.    
   
   
       3 . The method as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the bits of rubber are rubber crumb bits.  
   
   
       4 . The method as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the bits of rubber are larger chopped bits of a size between ⅛ of an inch and 1½ inches.  
   
   
       5 . The method as defined in  claim 4 , wherein reinforcing fibre from the recycled tires is mixed in with the larger chopped bits of rubber.  
   
   
       6 . The method as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the liquid slurry is a drilling fluid.  
   
   
       7 . The method as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the liquid slurry is contains cement.  
   
   
       8 . A method of sealing subterranean zones, comprising the steps of: 
 preparing a liquid slurry of drilling fluid and cement;    mixing bits of rubber from recycled tires into the liquid slurry, the bits of rubber being a mixture of rubber crumb bits and larger chopped bits of a size between ⅛ of an inch and 1½ inches; and    pumping the liquid slurry containing the bits of rubber down a well under pressure, such that the bits of rubber pack under pressure into fractures in the subterranean zone and, when pressure is reduced, expand.    
   
   
       9 . The method as defined in  claim 7 , wherein reinforcing fibre from the recycled tires is mixed in with the larger chopped bits of rubber.  
   
   
       10 . A method of sealing subterranean zones, comprising the steps of: 
 inserting bits of rubber from recycled tires into a well; and    pumping a liquid slurry into the well as a carrier fluid to wash the bits of rubber down the well.