Zeta Potential Alteration for Sand Control in Unconsolidated Formations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing co-production of formation particulate during drilling, completion, production, and fracturing operations are inefficient, leading to costly equipment damage and reduced well productivity due to the intrusion of sand and other formation materials into production and injection formations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a composition comprising an amine and a phosphate ester to alter the aggregation and zeta potential of formation surfaces and particles, which reduces the co-production of formation particulate by causing particles to aggregate and cling to surfaces, thereby reducing the need for frequent equipment maintenance and enhancing well productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sand control methods (gravel pack, frac pack, screens) are used, then formation particulate co-production is reduced, but formation permeability is impaired and well productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface charge parameters (zeta potential) of formation particles through chemical treatment, transforming the electrical properties of particle surfaces to induce aggregation and reduce co-production without blocking formation pores, thereby maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses chemical compositions as intermediaries that modify surface properties of formation particles, acting as a mediator between the formation and production equipment to prevent particulate intrusion while maintaining formation permeability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gravel pack or fracture pack operations are performed, then sand control is improved, but formation damage occurs and equipment maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical sand control systems (gravel packs, screens, frac packs) with a chemical treatment system that modifies particle surface properties, eliminating the need for complex mechanical barriers and reducing formation damage from installation operations
3Productivity
If formation particulate is allowed to co-produce, then production equipment requires frequent maintenance, but implementing sand control methods reduces maximum sand-free production rate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary chemical treatment to formation particles before production begins, modifying surface properties to prevent particulate co-production from the outset, thereby maximizing sand-free production rate without subsequent equipment maintenance issues
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 co-production of formation particulate, increases the maximum sand-free production rate, and reduces the risk of permanent reservoir damage by stabilizing the formation and maintaining higher permeability, thus enhancing the efficiency and longevity of production and injection operations.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the particulate solid material with a composition including an amine and a phosphate ester under conditions sufficient for the amine and phosphate ester to react forming a partial or complete coatings on surfaces of particulate solid material
Data Source
AI summary
Weakly consolidated formations, semi consolidated formations, or unconsolidated formations treated with an aggregating, agglomerating or conglomerating composition, which alters an aggregation or zeta potential of formation surfaces and particulate to increase a maximum sand free production rate of producing formations and increases the injection rate of injection formations.