Multicomponent Epoxy Sand Consolidation in Low-Injectivity Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sand consolidation methods in wellbore drilling face challenges due to insufficient compressive strength and undesirable rheological characteristics of treatment fluids, leading to ineffective sand control and production limitations in low-injectivity and heterogeneous reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A method using a treatment fluid comprising a multicomponent epoxy, a base fluid, and an amine hardening agent, where the multicomponent epoxy includes diglycidyl ether and monoglycidyl ether resins, is applied to coat and consolidate sand particles, providing enhanced compressive strength and controlled rheology for efficient sand control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional treatment fluids are used for sand consolidation, then the sand control process can be performed, but the compressive strength is insufficient and rheological characteristics are undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a multicomponent epoxy system comprising multiple resin components (diglycidyl ether resin and monoglycidyl ether resin) combined with amine hardening agents to create a composite treatment fluid that achieves both high compressive strength and desirable rheological properties, resolving the contradiction between strength and rheology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the treatment fluid by using specific ratios of diglycidyl ether resin to monoglycidyl ether resin and selecting appropriate amine hardening agents, thereby achieving optimal balance between compressive strength and rheological characteristics
2Reliability
If treatment fluid is forced through well casing to accumulate in sand production area, then sand consolidation is achieved, but the process is ineffective in low-injectivity reservoirs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the rheological parameters of the treatment fluid by selecting appropriate amine hardening agents and resin combinations, enabling the fluid to flow through low-injectivity reservoirs while still achieving effective sand consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment fluid acts as an intermediary that can penetrate through the challenging low-injectivity reservoir formation and deliver the epoxy components to the sand particles, enabling consolidation where conventional fluids fail
3Strength
If conventional epoxy treatment is used, then sand coating is achieved, but the artificial borehole wall lacks sufficient strength and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite epoxy system combining diglycidyl ether resin, monoglycidyl ether resin, and amine hardening agents that forms an artificial borehole wall with both high strength and enhanced stability, addressing both parameters simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment fluid is designed to provide localized high-strength bonding at the sand particle interfaces while maintaining overall compositional stability of the artificial borehole wall, achieving both strength and stability through differentiated material properties
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 method effectively consolidates sands, preventing sand influx and improving wellbore stability by forming a strong artificial borehole wall, even in challenging low-injectivity and heterogeneous reservoirs, thereby enhancing production efficiency and reducing the risk of erosion and plugging.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the amine hardening agent to cure the multicomponent epoxy and form the consolidated sands
Implementation Method 2
contacting sand particles in the subterranean formation with a treatment fluid to form coated sands
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of consolidating sands in a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may comprise contacting sand particles in the subterranean formation with a treatment fluid to form coated sands; where the treatment fluid comprises a multicomponent epoxy, a base fluid, and an amine hardening agent, the multicomponent epoxy comprising a diglycidyl ether resin and a monoglycidyl ether resin. The method further allowing the amine hardening agent to cure the multicomponent epoxy and form the consolidated sands.