Inorganic Clay Particulate Additive for Proppant Consolidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean formations, unconsolidated particulates can migrate and cause equipment damage and reduce fluid production, and existing proppant materials may not remain effectively in place to maintain fracture integrity during production.
Innovation Solution
A treatment fluid comprising a consolidating agent and deagglomerated inorganic clay particulates, such as halloysite or hectorite, is introduced into the formation to coat and consolidate proppant particles, forming a durable network that enhances the strength and longevity of the proppant pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a consolidating agent is used to bind proppant particles together, then the consolidation strength of the proppant pack is improved, but the amount of resin required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inorganic clay particulates (such as halloysite or hectorite) with the consolidating agent to form a composite material system. The inorganic clay particles serve as a skeletal framework that reduces the amount of resin needed while maintaining consolidation strength. The clay particles are deposited on the proppant pack and provide structural support, allowing for reduced resin content while achieving the desired mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The inorganic clay particulates form a porous network structure within the proppant pack that maintains permeability while providing consolidation strength. The porous framework created by the clay particles allows fluid flow through the pack while the particle network itself provides the structural integrity to maintain fracture openness, reducing the need for high resin content.
2Reliability
If a tackifying composition is applied to unconsolidated particulates, then the migration of particulates is reduced, but the produced mass becomes more malleable rather than hard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the consolidation system by introducing inorganic clay particulates with specific surface area and aspect ratio characteristics. The clay particles modify the rheological properties and bonding characteristics of the consolidation mixture, enabling the formation of a harder, more stable consolidated mass rather than a soft malleable one, while still preventing particulate migration.
3Reliability
If proppant particles are not held in place after fracturing, then the fracture can close together, but the proppant particles can migrate towards the wellhead causing equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The inorganic clay particulates are introduced into the formation during the fracturing operation before production begins. The particles are deposited on the proppant pack and begin forming a consolidated structure in advance, creating a protective framework that prevents both fracture closure and proppant migration before production equipment is subjected to potential damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The inorganic clay particulates act as an intermediary material between the proppant particles and the formation matrix. They provide a transition layer that anchors the proppant pack to the formation, preventing particle migration towards the wellhead while maintaining fracture openness, thereby protecting equipment from harmful factors.
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
This approach reduces the need for resin, maintains permeability, increases thermal limits, and enhances the consolidation strength of the proppant pack, preventing migration and ensuring fracture integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The consolidating agent should have an affinity for the particles and may bind to the particles. The consolidating agent can be a tacky consolidating agent that acts as a glue to bind the particles of the pack together.
Implementation Method 2
A treatment fluid comprising a consolidating agent and inorganic clay particulates is introduced into the formation to coat and consolidate proppant particles
Implementation Method 3
The curable agent causes the curable resin to cure and become hard and solid via a chemical reaction. After the resin cures, the particles of the pack are considered to be consolidated.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for treating subterranean formations using deagglomerated inorganic clay particles are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid, a consolidating agent, and a deagglomerated inorganic clay particle; introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation so as to contact unconsolidated particles within the subterranean formation with the treatment fluid; and allowing the consolidating agent and the deagglomerated inorganic clay particle to consolidate at least a portion of the unconsolidated particulates in the portion of the subterranean formation.