Water-Based Sand Consolidation Fluid for Uniform Resin Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sand consolidation technologies in unconsolidated reservoirs face operational complexity, environmental concerns, and inefficiencies due to solvent-based fluids, non-uniform resin polymerization, and the need for post-treatment flushes, which compromise permeability and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A single-step consolidation fluid composed of a resin, curing agent, and surfactant in an aqueous solvent, internally catalyzed by temperature, with low viscosity (<5 cP) for mixing and placement, compatible with clays and oils, and triggered by downhole temperature for uniform distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solvent-based consolidation fluids are used, then resin polymerization can be achieved, but environmental concerns increase and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the consolidation fluid by replacing solvent-based systems with water-based systems. This parameter change eliminates environmental concerns associated with solvents while maintaining resin polymerization through temperature-activated curing mechanisms that work effectively in water-based formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes chemical activation mechanisms (external catalysts requiring overflush) with temperature-activated curing. This replacement eliminates the need for complex overflush operations while achieving reliable resin polymerization through thermal activation of the curing agent.
2Reliability
If externally catalyzed resin systems are used, then resin polymerization can be achieved, but operational complexity increases due to overflush requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service curing where the resin system automatically polymerizes in response to temperature activation without requiring external catalysts or overflush operations. The curing agent is temperature-activated and triggers polymerization autonomously, eliminating complex post-injection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the external catalyst component from the consolidation process. By eliminating the need for separate catalyst injection and overflush operations, the system achieves resin polymerization through temperature-activated self-curing, significantly simplifying operational procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If high viscosity treatment fluid is used, then resin system stability is improved, but fluid distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic viscosity control where the treatment fluid maintains low viscosity during injection and distribution phases to ensure uniform fluid distribution throughout the formation. After placement, temperature activation triggers resin polymerization that provides structural stability, achieving both distribution uniformity and compositional stability through temporal separation of these properties.
4Reliability
If post-treatment flushes are performed, then resin polymerization can be enhanced, but retained permeability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses self-service temperature-activated curing that triggers resin polymerization in-situ without requiring post-treatment flushes. The curing agent responds to formation temperature to initiate polymerization, achieving reliable resin setting while eliminating the need for additional flush operations that would reduce retained permeability.
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 fluid achieves high compressive strength (>1,000 lbf/in2) and retained permeability (>75%) without an overflush, reducing operational complexity and environmental impact, suitable for a wide temperature range and challenging reservoir conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the surfactant has a cloud point or lower critical solution temperature (LCST) ranging from 100° F. to about 300° F.
Implementation Method 2
The treatment fluid includes a resin system, a surfactant, and a curing agent... allowing the fluid to cure to consolidate particles in the subterranean formation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for consolidating particles in a subterranean formation includes a treatment fluid (e.g., a consolidation fluid) having a viscosity lower than 5 cP. The treatment fluid includes a resin system, a surfactant, and a curing agent. A method for consolidating particles in a subterranean formation includes preparing the treatment fluid, introducing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation, and allowing the treatment fluid to cure to consolidate the particles in the subterranean formation.