Salt Deposits and Brine Blowout: Development of a Cross-Linking Composition for Blocking Formations and Methodology for Its Testing

Abstract

Uncontrolled inflow of formation fluid (brine) into a well adversely affects the cation–anion bonds in solutions and leads to their dissociation and loss of aggregative stability. Blow-out significantly complicates the drilling process and leads to an increase in non-productive time and in financial costs for problem solving. It is necessary to create a blocking screen that allows separation of the layer from the well and prevents brine flow. This article is devoted to the development of polymeric-blocking compositions that work due to the crystallization reaction of divalent salts of calcium and magnesium chlorides. More than 14 components were detected in the formation fluid on the atomic emission spectrometer. Based on the study of the compatibility of components with brine and the study of rheology and filtration processes through a real core under HPHT conditions, the optimal component polymer composition was selected. The reason for the increase in the rheology of composition during its thickening was established. With the help of tomographic studies, the depth of penetration of the filtrate into the core of layers was determined. For further studies, an experimental stand was designed for physical simulation of the isolation process under HPHT conditions and backpressure from the formation.