METHOD OF THERMALLY INSULATING A WELLBORE

摘要

There is provided a method for insulating an annulus surrounding a tubular in a wellbore comprising filling the annulus with an emulsion of liquid sodium silicate and an acid forming agent, increasing a temperature in the annulus, and forming a silica gel in the annulus, the silica gel effective in insulating the annulus. Said annulus may be formed between a well casing and a steam injection tubing within the casing and is filled with the emulsion.