Consolidating Agent Placement for Subterranean Particulate Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for consolidating unconsolidated subterranean formations over long intervals are time-consuming and complex, particularly due to the need for multiple fluid stages and accurate fluid management, which complicates the placement of consolidating agents and can lead to wellbore stability issues and fluid loss problems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a flow distribution system with annular barriers that compromises the filter cake integrity, allowing a single-stage placement of a consolidating agent system to reduce particulate migration and stress-activated reactivity, using a consolidating agent system that can be uniformly applied over long intervals, potentially eliminating the need for gravel pack treatments and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fluid stages are used for consolidating agent placement, then consolidation effectiveness is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The consolidating agent system is divided into multiple fluid stages (first consolidating agent, second consolidating agent) that are placed sequentially through the same wellbore infrastructure. This segmentation allows effective consolidation treatment while using a single placement operation rather than multiple complex operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distribution system is designed to handle multiple fluid stages through a single placement operation. The system universally manages both the first consolidating agent and second consolidating agent, as well as spacer fluid, through the same wellbore infrastructure, reducing operational complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If accurate fluid management is implemented, then consolidation precision is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distribution system automatically distributes the consolidating agents and spacer fluid through the wellbore infrastructure without requiring complex external fluid management. The system self-regulates the placement process, achieving precise consolidation while simplifying operations.
3Ease of operation
If filter cake integrity is compromised, then consolidating agent placement is improved, but wellbore stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cake is compromised in advance before consolidating agent placement to ensure proper agent distribution. This preliminary action prepares the wellbore for effective consolidation while the subsequent placement of consolidating agents reinforces wellbore stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of compromising filter cake integrity (reducing wellbore stability) is converted into a benefit by enabling effective consolidating agent placement. The consolidating agents then strengthen the formation, ultimately improving wellbore stability despite the initial filter cake compromise.
4Productivity
If single-stage placement is used, then operation time is reduced, but uniformity of consolidating agent distribution may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The consolidating agent treatment is segmented into multiple fluid stages placed sequentially through the same infrastructure. This allows uniform distribution across the treatment interval while maintaining a single efficient placement operation, achieving both speed and uniformity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are included that are useful in treating subterranean formations and, more particularly, to minimizing particulate migration over long intervals in subterranean well bores that may be horizontal, vertical, deviated, or otherwise nonlinear. In one embodiment, a method is presented comprising: providing a well bore comprising an open hole section of about 30 feet or more that comprises an open hole section with a filter cake neighboring at least a portion of a reservoir; allowing the integrity of at least a portion of the filter cake to become compromised; and treating at least a portion of the open hole section with a consolidating agent system in a single stage operation so as to at least partially reduce particulate migration in the open hole section.