Completing wells in unconsolidated formations

Abstract

A method of completing an unconsolidated formation by first injecting a curable resin into diametrically-opposed zones within the formation and then allowing the resin to set to form a consolidated mass in these zones. Once the resin has set, the consolidated zones are hydraulically fractured to establish fluid communication between the untreated area of the formation outside these zones and the wellbore. Preferably, the fracturing fluid carries resin-coated proppants which, when set, form a permeable mass within the fractures to thereby allow flow of fluids through the fracture while preventing flow of sand.

Description

DESCRIPTION[0001] 1. Technical Field[0002] The present invention relates to a method for completing a well in an unconsolidated formation and in one of its aspects relates to a method for completing a well in an unconsolidated formation wherein a zone within the formation is consolidated by injecting a curable resin and then fractured once the resin has set to thereby provide fluid communication between the untreated formation and the wellbore.[0003] 2. Background of the Invention[0004] In producing hydrocarbons or the like from loosely or unconsolidated subterranean formations, it is not uncommon to produce large volumes of particulate material (e.g. sand) along with the formation fluids. This "sand production" routinely causes a variety of problems which result in added expense and substantial downtime. For example, the produced sand may cause (1) severe erosion and premature wearing of the well tubing and other production equipment; (2) clogging of the flow from the well which re...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This "sand production" routinely causes a variety of problems which result in added expense and substantial downtime.

For example, the produced sand may cause (1) severe erosion and premature wearing of the well tubing and other production equipment; (2) clogging of the flow from the well which requires a workover of the well; (3) extra processing of the produced fluids at the surface to remove and dispose of the sand; (4) caving of the formation, etc.

While such techniques have been widely used, unfortunately, they experience some major drawbacks.

For example, since this type of consolidation treatment is usually carried out in a well having an "open hole" completion (i.e. wellbore is uncased adjacent formation to be treated), there is always uncertainty of whether or not the resin has uniformly penetrated into the formation which surrounds the wellbore.

In other words, there i...

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