Long Interval Chemical Consolidation of Failing Clay Laden Formations: A Departure from Epoxy-Based Resins

Abstract

Abstract Thermally-activated, single-component resin formulations in which the catalyst is included in the resin composition can be challenging to place over intervals longer than 30 feet (9.1 meters). Despite the proven consolidation performance observed with epoxy-based systems, initial viscosity and rapid reactivity leading to short placement times have resulted in the industry seeking alternative chemistries to enhance formation integrity. Herein we report the development of a 2-stage formation consolidation system entailing a hetero-aromatic-based resin composition that, once placed downhole, will only begin curing with subsequent introduction of an activation fluid. The latent property of the updated resin formulation allows for extended lateral applications, and incorporating a new surface modifying agent allows for the treatment of formations with an excess of 20% wt—clay mineralogy.