Curable Adhesive Composition for Subterranean Particulate Consolidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon-producing wells face issues with unconsolidated particulates migrating into the well bore, causing equipment abrasion and reduced production due to clogging, which existing methods like low flow rates or resin coating are inefficient or economically unfeasible.
Innovation Solution
A curable adhesive composition comprising a polymer with reactive silicon end groups, a silane coupling agent, and a catalyst is used to consolidate particulates in the subterranean formation, forming a cohesive and permeable pack that withstands high production and injection flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unconsolidated particulates are placed in the subterranean formation during fracturing or gravel packing operations, then fracture conductivity and sand control are improved, but particulates migrate into the well bore causing equipment abrasion and production reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The curable adhesive composition is applied to the particulates before they are placed in the subterranean formation. The composition coats the particulates and consolidates them in place, preventing migration into the well bore before it can occur. This preliminary consolidation action resolves the contradiction by securing the beneficial particulates while preventing their harmful migration.
Solution Approach 2:
The curable adhesive composition acts as an intermediary substance between the particulates and the well bore environment. It binds the particulates together and to the formation, creating a stable interface that prevents particulate migration while maintaining fracture conductivity and sand control functionality.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If low flow rates are used to control particulate production, then particulate migration is reduced, but production efficiency and economic feasibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The curable adhesive composition consolidates particulates in place before production begins, preventing their migration and production at normal flow rates. This preliminary stabilization eliminates the need to restrict production flow rates, thereby maintaining both particulate control and production efficiency simultaneously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional resin-based methods are used to consolidate particulates, then particulate stability is improved, but cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the adhesive composition by using curable adhesives with specific properties (reactive silicon end groups, silane coupling agents) that provide effective particulate consolidation with reduced environmental impact and lower cost compared to traditional resin-based methods, while maintaining particulate stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The curable adhesive composition is a composite material system combining multiple components (polymer with reactive silicon end groups, silane coupling agent, catalyst, diluent) that work synergistically to provide effective particulate consolidation with improved environmental compatibility and cost-effectiveness compared to single-component traditional resins.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If frequent well interventions are performed to address particulate migration, then equipment protection is maintained, but operational time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The curable adhesive composition is applied during the initial fracturing or gravel packing operation to consolidate particulates before they can migrate and cause equipment damage. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for frequent subsequent well interventions, reducing both operational time and costs while maintaining equipment protection.
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 the production of particulates with production fluids, stabilizes them within the formation, and reduces the need for frequent well interventions, offering economic and environmental benefits over traditional resin-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
A curable adhesive composition comprising a polymer having a reactive silicon end group, a silane coupling agent, and a catalyst operable to facilitate the curing of the polymer
Implementation Method 2
a catalyst operable to facilitate the curing of the polymer
Data Source
AI summary
Curable adhesive compositions comprising a silane coupling agent; a polymer, the polymer having a reactive silicon end group; a catalyst operable to facilitate the curing of the polymer; and, a diluent and wherein the polymer comprises about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of the curable adhesive composition. The curable adhesive compositions may further comprise a dehydrating agent comprising a component selected from the group consisting of: vinyl trimethoxysilane, vinyl alkoxysilane, inorganic zeolites, and organic zeolites.