Particle Consolidation as a Means of Sand Control: Gulf of Mexico Applications

Abstract

Abstract Particle movement is a problematic occurrence for wells producing in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). The particles could be formation sands or proppant. The most widely used and most effective method of sand control in the GOM is the mechanical method. The mechanical method used in most wells includes the use of screens with a proppant pack. An alternative to the mechanical method is the chemical-consolidation method. With this method, the particles are bonded together to prevent movement. This paper describes chemicals and treatments that can be used to consolidate downhole particles as well as explains scenarios in which these materials can be used. Chemical consolidation has many applications in unconsolidated-reservoir environments. One application is to use this technology to consolidate the formation in the near-wellbore region, which would be suitable as the only form of sand control. Another application would be to use these chemicals for screen repair. When the well is producing proppant and formation sand because of a damaged screen, consolidating the proppant pack around the screens is a proven way to stop the particles from flowing. Both of these techniques involve injecting chemicals into the well. Instead of consolidating with a chemical injection, proppant particles can also be coated with chemicals on the surface during pumping of the proppant-stimulation treatment. The results that can be observed from these treatments demonstrate that produced solids can be eliminated. The production data of wells that have used these chemicals to measure the effectiveness of the treatments were compared. From the data presented, it can be concluded that these treatments provide additional options for completing or repairing wells that require sand control. The data also demonstrates ways to stop solids from being produced with well-intervention treatments. This paper explains a variety of ways that particle-consolidation chemicals can be applied, along with a general description of the materials used. Lab data associated with these chemicals is presented. Use of this technology is discussed in detail, including several case histories in the GOM.