Modified EICP Sand Consolidation for Hydrocarbon Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current enzyme-induced calcite precipitation (EICP) methods produce consolidated sand formations with low strength and inhomogeneous precipitation, failing to effectively mitigate sand production issues in hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A modified EICP (mEICP) method using a reaction mixture comprising urea, urease enzyme, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and cellulose to form a biomineral precipitate that includes carbonate and evaporite minerals, enhancing sand consolidation with increased efficiency and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If current EICP methods are used to consolidate sand formations, then sand consolidation is achieved, but the consolidated formation has low strength and inhomogeneous precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnesium chloride as an additional chemical parameter to the traditional EICP process. This parameter change modifies the precipitation chemistry to produce both carbonate and evaporite minerals, resulting in more homogeneous distribution and higher strength consolidation compared to conventional EICP methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite mineral precipitate containing both carbonate minerals (from traditional EICP) and evaporite minerals (from the added magnesium chloride). This composite approach produces a consolidated sand formation with enhanced and more uniform properties compared to single-mineral precipitation
2Reliability
If EICP methods are used to consolidate sand, then sand production is mitigated, but the consolidated formation cannot withstand high temperatures and strains in oil and gas production
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-mineral composite structure (carbonate plus evaporite) creates a more robust consolidated formation that can withstand the high temperatures and mechanical strains encountered in oil and gas production, addressing the reliability issue
Solution Approach 2:
By modifying the chemical composition through magnesium chloride addition, the patent enhances the thermal and mechanical stability of the consolidated formation, enabling it to maintain strength under high-temperature and high-strain conditions
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 mEICP method results in consolidated sand formations with high shear strength capable of withstanding high temperatures and strains in oil and gas production, while maintaining environmental sustainability and minimal impact on well productivity.
Implementation Method 1
Enzyme-Induced calcite precipitation (EICP) methods have recently emerged as possible geotechnical engineering solutions
Implementation Method 2
providing a mixture comprising urea, a urease enzyme, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and a cellulose; contacting at least a portion of the mixture with at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and forming a biomineral precipitate within the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 3
forming a biomineral precipitate within the subterranean formation; wherein the biomineral precipitate consolidates particles within the subterranean formation to form a consolidated body, and the biomineral precipitate comprises a carbonate mineral and an evaporite mineral
Data Source
AI summary
Preventing the flow of soil grains into oil and gas wells is highly desirable for the protection of hydrocarbon production. Geotechnical engineering solutions addressing this issue may utilize enzyme-induced precipitation methods to consolidate and increase shear strength. Methods may comprise: providing a mixture comprising urea, a urease enzyme, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and a cellulose; contacting at least a portion of the mixture with at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and forming a biomineral precipitate within the subterranean formation. The biomineral precipitate, comprised of a carbonate mineral and an evaporite mineral, may consolidate particles within the subterranean formation to form a consolidated body.