Sand consolidation methods
First Claim
1. A method for consolidating unconsolidated mineral particles including sand in a subterranean petroleum formation penetrated by a well in fluid communication with at least a portion of the formation, comprising:
- (a) providing a sand consolidating fluid comprising a polymerizable monomer, diluent for the monomer, and a non-volatile strong acid catalyst capable of causing polymerization of the monomer at fluid injection temperatures;
(b) mixing the sand consolidating fluid with steam to form a multiphase treating fluid;
(c) injecting said treating fluid into the formation to occupy the void space of at least a portion of the formation adjacent to the well; and
(d) allowing the injected fluids to remain in the formations for a period of time sufficient to accomplish at least partial polymerization of the monomer, forming a permeable consolidated mass around the wellbore.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods are provided for selectively consolidating naturally occurring mineral grains such as sand within a subterranean formation to form a fluid permeable barrier which restrains the movement of sand particles when oil passes through the barrier. A fluid comprising a polymerizable monomer such as furfural alcohol and as a diluent, a polar organic solvent such as methanol and a strong, non-volatile acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid is provided, mixed with steam to form a multiphase or aerosol treating fluid, and injected into the formation to be consolidated. An ester such as butyl acetate is incorporated in the fluid when the steam quality is less than 80 percent. The well is shut in for sufficient period of time for polymerization to convert the injected fluids into a permeable barrier around the wellbore.
162 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method for consolidating unconsolidated mineral particles including sand in a subterranean petroleum formation penetrated by a well in fluid communication with at least a portion of the formation, comprising:
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(a) providing a sand consolidating fluid comprising a polymerizable monomer, diluent for the monomer, and a non-volatile strong acid catalyst capable of causing polymerization of the monomer at fluid injection temperatures; (b) mixing the sand consolidating fluid with steam to form a multiphase treating fluid; (c) injecting said treating fluid into the formation to occupy the void space of at least a portion of the formation adjacent to the well; and (d) allowing the injected fluids to remain in the formations for a period of time sufficient to accomplish at least partial polymerization of the monomer, forming a permeable consolidated mass around the wellbore. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for forming a fluid impermeable zone in a permeable, subterranean oil-containing formation adjacent to a wellbore penetrating said formation, comprising
a. providing a fluid comprising a polymerizable monomer, a diluent for said monomer, and a strong acid catalyst which causes polymerization of the monomer at steam temperatures; -
b. forming a mixture of said fluid from step (a) with steam c. injecting said fluid mixture into the formation to saturate at least a portion of the formation; and d. allowing said fluid to remain in the formation for a period of time sufficient to accomplish at least partial polymerization of said monomer, forming a fluid impermeable barrier between the well and the formation. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification