Self-Assembling Nanoparticles: A Unique Method for Downhole Sand Consolidation

摘要

When the formation is unconsolidated, sand particles can be produced into the wellbore. Such production of sand particles is undesirable as it lowers the permeability of the producing zone, and erodes both surface and downhole equipment. Costly intervention may be required to mitigate the damage to the well's integrity and the reservoir deliverability. The most common methods of controlling this unwanted sand production involve: (1) Filter produced fluids through a gravel pack retained by a screen, or (2) Use of consolidating fluids such as resin — a curing agent — along with other chemicals to create a conducive environment for the resin curing reaction to occur. The gravel packing completion requires special tools and equipment, therefore the cost is increased. In the case of sand control by chemical consolidation, the resinous material tends to have relatively uncontrollable setting times, strength, placement, and regained permeability, leading to unsuccessful treatment. With both cost and treatment effectiveness in mind, it is desirable to develop an improved material and method to mitigate sand production by consolidating the formation sand without impairing well productivity or injectivity.