Methods for controlling water and sand production in subterranean wells

Abstract

Methods comprising introducing a relative permeability modifier fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation to form a treated portion of the subterranean formation; and introducing a consolidating agent into the treated portion of the subterranean formation so as to transform at least a section of the treated portion of the subterranean formation into a consolidated region. In some embodiments, the subterranean formation may have been previously hydraulically fracture-stimulated.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 183,028 filed on Jul. 15, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND [0002] The present invention relates to the stabilization of subterranean formations. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for stabilizing unconsolidated portions of a subterranean formation and controlling the production of water from those portions. [0003] Hydrocarbon wells are often located in subterranean formations that contain unconsolidated particulates that may migrate out of the subterranean formation with the oil, gas, water, and / or other fluids produced by the wells. The presence of particulates, such as formation sand and even loose proppant, in produced fluids is undesirable in that the particulates may abrade pumping and other producing equipment and reduce the fluid production capabilities of the producing zones. Unconsolida...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The presence of particulates, such as formation sand and even loose proppant, in produced fluids is undesirable in that the particulates may abrade pumping and other producing equipment and reduce the fluid production capabilities of the producing zones.

Unconsolidated portions of a subterranean formation include those that contain loose particulates and those wherein the bonded particulates have insufficient bond strength to withstand the forces created by the production of fluids through the formation.

The collapse of such sand bridges, however, may occur due to unintentionally high production rates and/or pressure cycling as may occur from repeated shut-ins and start ups of a well.

Such packs may be time consuming and expensive to install.

Due to the time and expense needed, it is sometimes desirable to place a screen without the gravel.

Even in circumstances in which it is practical to place a screen without gravel, it is often difficult to determine an appropriate screen size to use as formation sands tend to have a wide distribution of grain sizes.

When small quantities of sand are allowed to flow through a screen, formation erosion becomes a significant concern.

However, screen erosion and screen plugging are the main disadvantages of expandable

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