Consolidating Agent Emulsion for Subterranean Particulate Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In subterranean formations, particulate migration and stress-activated reactivity of fracture faces can reduce fluid conductivity, leading to clogged channels and equipment damage, and existing consolidating agents are difficult to handle and clean up.

Innovation Solution

A consolidating agent emulsion comprising an aqueous fluid, an emulsifying agent, and a consolidating agent, such as non-aqueous tackifying agents or resins, is introduced into the formation to consolidate proppant particulates and modify the reactivity of fracture faces, reducing particulate migration and enhancing conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If consolidating agents are used to control particulate migration, then particulate migration is minimized, but the consolidating agents are difficult to handle and clean up

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate migration controlVSAvoidhandling and cleanup

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The consolidating agent is emulsified in an aqueous carrier fluid, changing its physical state from a pure organic substance to an emulsion system. This parameter change allows the consolidating agent to be pumped and handled like water-based fluids while maintaining its effectiveness in controlling particulate migration when it contacts the formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The aqueous carrier fluid acts as an intermediary medium that facilitates the handling and injection of the consolidating agent. The emulsifying agent serves as a mediator that allows the consolidating agent to mix with water-based fracturing fluids, enabling easy pumping and injection while the consolidating agent performs its function in the formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If proppant particulates are placed in fractures to maintain conductivity, then fluid flow is improved, but unconsolidated particulate material flows back and clogs channels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid conductivityVSAvoidparticulate migration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The consolidating agent is introduced into the formation either before or during the fracturing operation, allowing it to coat the proppant particulates and formation surfaces in advance. This preliminary action prevents particulate migration before it occurs, maintaining conductivity throughout the production life of the well.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment combines proppant particulates with a consolidating agent to create a composite structure where the consolidating agent binds the proppant and formation particulates together. This composite material maintains the conductivity provided by the proppant while preventing the harmful flow-back of unconsolidated particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If consolidating agents are applied to coat proppant particulates, then consolidation is achieved, but the agents are difficult to handle and clean up

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsolidation strengthVSAvoidhandling and cleanup

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The consolidating agent is transformed from a pure organic substance into an emulsion system with aqueous carrier fluid and emulsifying agent. This parameter change maintains the consolidation strength when the agent contacts the formation while enabling the mixture to be pumped and handled like water-based fluids during the treatment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The aqueous carrier fluid serves as an intermediary that facilitates the injection and distribution of the consolidating agent throughout the formation. The emulsifying agent acts as a mediator that allows the consolidating agent to be mixed with water-based fracturing fluids, enabling easy handling during injection while the consolidating agent performs its consolidation function in the formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively minimizes particulate migration, maintains high conductivity, and simplifies the handling and cleanup of consolidating agents, while providing enhanced strength and permeability to the subterranean formation.

Implementation Method 1

A consolidating agent emulsion comprising an aqueous fluid, an emulsifying agent, and a consolidating agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentUS9222014B2Consolidating agent emulsions and associated methods

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Method of treating a subterranean formation comprising providing a consolidation fluid, introducing the resin consolidation fluid into a subterranean formation comprising unconsolidated particulates; and, curing the resin to at least partially consolidate the unconsolidated particulates. The consolidation fluid comprises a resin in emulsified form with an aqueous external phase and an organic internal phase wherein the emulsified resin does not comprise a hardening agent and an aqueous base fluid that further comprises a hardening agent. The consolidation fluid may further comprise an emulsifying agent.