This paper reports the development and testing, of a Phosphate controlled dissolution glass composition used to strengthen the matrix of chalk whilst retaining the permeability of the rock, facilitating improved hydrocarbon recovery in unstable wells. Multiple versions of the glass solutions and different types of colloidal silica were extensively tested in the laboratory to determine injectability and reactivity with calcium carbonate rocks. The goal of the testing was to determine the best performing solution for use in a field trial in the Norwegian North Sea. The laboratory testing included filtration and core flood tests to determine the injectability of the solutions and post treatment permeability, and Brazilian strength tests to determine the tensile strength of the treated chalk cores. The filterability was tested through filter screen sizes ranging from 5 to 0.6 µm. Core flood testing was performed on 10 cm long chalk cores with 1.5 mD permeability. The glass solutions showed the best results in the filtration and core flood testing, achieving significantly greater invasion depth than any of the colloidal silica samples. The phosphate glass treated chalk cores maintained 70 to 100% of the original permeability while delivering a 3 to 5 fold tensile strength increase. The lab tests demonstrated the potential of a glass based treatment to strengthen chalk formations without impeding permeability.Based on the promising results from the lab tests, it was decided to trial the selected glass solution in a mature vertical proppant fractured well. The test confirmed that the glass solution could be pumped into the well, but the test failed pre-maturely after two months of varied production, and the trial will not be covered in this paper.However, due to the high value in being able to stabilize chalk in the field, the Operator is evaluating a new trial in a horizontal well, and learnings from the first trial will be used to inform further lab tests in the next phase. The glass solution used in this trial is being further developed to be used in other formation types, such as sand and non-calcium containing reservoirs.
Scope Controlled dissolution glasses form a permanent consolidating mineral matrix inside formations with either permeable or impermeable properties. The unique solution has a low injection viscosity and can be easily injected into a wide range of formations. The application method is simple and does not require multiple fluids or pre- and post-flushing. This paper focuses on the benefits of controlled dissolution glasses and potential applications in the oil and gas industry. Methods, Procedures, Process Controlled dissolution glasses have been researched extensively by Glass Technology Services (GTS) since 1999 for the biomedical industry, nuclear waste storage industry, and defense and aerospace industries. GTS together with operators have been performing research and development for the oil industry over the last 10 years. The research investigated different glass compositions to determine their injectability and change in formation properties post-treatment. Sandstone, chalk, and shale formations were used in the testing. Flow testing using a Hoek cell and a core flood apparatus was used to determine the post-treatment permeability. For post-treatment strength measurement, Brazilian tensile strength tests and modified cone penetration tests were used to determine tensile strength and shear strength respectively. The testing evaluated different mixing fluids, such as water and different brines, compatibility, corrosion testing, and concentrations. Results, Observations, Conclusions The testing identified different glass compositions and concentrations that are suitable for different applications and formations. Certain glass compositions increase tensile strength significantly while also maintaining the permeability in the formation. Other glass compositions have similar tensile strength increase, but result in an impermeable seal. The liquid glass solutions react with the formation to form a mineral precipitation inside the formation. The reaction with the formation occurs quickly at downhole conditions, within hours of placement. The glass can be mixed with water and variety of brines to form a stable solution across a range of densities. The testing and results to date have laid the foundation for use in a variety of consolidation and P&A applications in oil and gas wells. Testing is ongoing for a chalk and sandstone consolidation solution and for a sealing solution. Novel/Additive Information These novel glass solutions can solve many of the production and instability challenges that plague weak formations. The glasses can be injected into very low permeability formation to either seal or consolidate.
Based on the current UK decarbonization policy, a general outlook on potential routes for the glass industry to achieve net‐zero is discussed and the differentiation during decarbonization is specified. Biomass ash is considered a potential alternative raw material for low‐carbon glass manufacture as it is rich in certain advantageous components, chiefly network modifiers. Simple sieving processes were shown to effectively separate impurities such as S, Cl, and C from some biomass ashes according to particle size distribution. The concentration of undesirable impurities decreased with increasing particle size. Morphologies and X‐ray diffraction patterns of larger washed biomass ash particles indicated liquid/amorphous phase formation during biomass combustion. The washing of ashes was also shown to be a potential route to purification. A washed bracken ash relevant to both modern and ancient glass production was characterized for comparison. Ultraviolet‐visible near‐infrared (UV‐Vis‐near IR) absorption spectra of representative green container glasses produced using biomass ash confirmed that ∼5 wt.% ash in representative glass batches has little impact on the color and redox state of glasses; the redox status of glass produced using >2 mm biomass ash after washing was less reduced than that of glass produced using high levels (>∼9 wt.%) of >2 mm biomass ash after sieving alone, observed via the redox couple Cr3+/Cr6+ by UV‐Vis‐near IR absorption spectroscopy.
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