Application of Curable Thin Film for Sand Control

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThe use of expandable screens simplifies completion procedures. Many operators perceive that screen performance depends on whether it is fully compliant with open hole; however, it is impossible to guarantee total compliance. Evidence indicates that, in addition to filling the micro-annuli and plugging the screen, mobile fines and sand have the potential to create hot spots and erode the screen, thus creating sandproduction problems.This paper presents laboratory results that illustrate the feasibility of applying a curable, low-viscosity composition to stabilize and strengthen unconsolidated formations. Overdisplacement is not necessary in this process. The composition forms a tacky, ultra-thin film, creating bonds between grains that cure with time and temperature once coated onto the surfaces of formation particulates. Unconsolidated formation sands, even those with high content of clay fines, were consolidated with negligible loss of initial permeability.The results obtained from this study demonstrate the importance of stabilization of the formation. The screens, whether wire-wrapped, pre-packed, expandable, or simply slotted pipes, serve as a mechanical support to prevent collapse of the wellbore. A combination of treating unconsolidated formations with an ultra-thin, curable composition and installing a mechanical liner should provide an economical and reliable means for sand control. The use of such curable sand-stabilization treatments may therefore eliminate the perceived need for compliant expansion, placing a premium on the mechanical strength of the sand-control technique selected.

Particle Consolidation as a Means of Sand Control: Gulf of Mexico Applications

“…Later in the life of a well, after excessive drawdown, depletion, compaction, and water production, particles in the formation become detached and the well starts to produce fines (Rickman et al 2006). During the life of a well with mechanical-sand control, the screens can develop holes that allow proppant and formation particles to flow through.…”

Kinetic Parameters for Dilute Epoxy Resins Measured by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

“…In this case a very dilute formulation of the resin is injected into the formation. 7 As the resin cures, a thin coating is deposited onto the formation materials, essentially locking the fines into place and thus preventing their migration. A key benefit to using a low resin concentration formulation in this application is that no afterflush is required.…”