Methods and Compositions for Screenless Completion

Abstract

Methods are provided that include a method of a) placing a hydrojetting tool into a subterranean formation; b) introducing a jetting fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid, a stabilizing agent, and a cutting agent into the subterranean formation by use of the hydrojetting tool at a rate sufficient to create at least one fracture; c) introducing a slug fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid and a degradable diverting agent into an annulus formed between the hydrojetting tool and the subterranean formation; d) introducing a propping fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid and proppants coated with a consolidating agent into the annulus formed between the hydrojetting tool and the subterranean formation; and e) placing the proppants in the fracture.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The present invention relates to completion operations, and in particular, to subterranean fluids, tools, and methods useful during screenless completion of a fractured subterranean formation.[0002]Hydraulic fracturing is a technique in which fractures are propagated in a rock layer for the eventual purpose of extracting certain fluids such as petroleum, natural gas, coal seam gas, and the like. The technique can be used to increase or restore the rate at which these fluids can be produced from a subterranean formation. Hydraulic fracturing can be particularly useful in the completion of unconsolidated or loosely consolidated formations where relatively fine particulate materials may be produced during the production of fluids. These particulates may cause, for example, abrasive wear to components such as screens, tubing, pumps, and valves. The particulates may also clog a well, thus creating the need for expensive workovers. Additionally, if the particulates are pro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides methods for completing a fractured subterranean formation using a screenless completion technique. The methods involve introducing methanol into the formation through a hydrojetting tool to create at least one fracture, followed by the formation of a plug of degradable material to divert the fluid away from other zones. A propping fluid containing a stabilizing agent and proppants is then introduced into the fracture to support it. The invention allows for the use of a slug fluid and a consolidating agent to improve the stability and efficiency of the proppant placement process. The advantages of the invention include improved wellbore stability, improved hydraulic fracturing results, and reduced risk of damage to the formation.

Problems solved by technology

These particulates may cause, for example, abrasive wear to components such as screens, tubing, pumps, and valves.

The particulates may also clog a well, thus creating the need for expensive workovers.

Additionally, if the particulates are produced to the surface, they may have to be removed using surface processing equipment.

However, there are certain issues that limit or impact the overall usefulness of gravel packing and sand control screens, particularly when stimulating multiple hydrocarbon-bearing zones.

For example, in fracturing operations, the fluid inside sand control screens tends to leak off into adjacent formations.

This leak off can result in damage to the gravel pack around the sand control screen as well as damage to the formation.

This problem may be particularly troublesome in situations where multiple production intervals within a single wellbore require treatment as the fluid remains in communication with the various formations for an extended period time.

Moreover, the process of achieving complete separation of fluids during multiple zone completion can present a technical barrier.