RIASSUNTO
SPE Member
Abstract
Case histories of 22 treatments with a very new sand control procedure applied in Oryx Energy Company wells are reviewed. An acid curable resin is positioned in the casing across the perforated interval in an incompetent sand formation. A gas-frac propellent tool is placed in the resin. The propellent is fired to generate gas and drive the resin from the casing and into the formation outside the perforations. Resin remaining in the casing is displaced with gas or water to establish permeability to the non-resin phase and subsequent acid overflush ensures set of an oilwet coating of hard plastic which acts as an external sand control screen. In addition, production rate from the well is frequently stimulated, apparently because fracturing pressures from the gas generator surge perforations clear of formation sand during the resin placement.
PROCES
Introduction
Our effort to improve upon sand control economics throughout all of Oryx Energy Company's operations resulted in a novel sand consolidation method. This method, explained below, has been very successful in meeting our objective.
Our process was developed from a vision addressing the question, ""Why has resin consolidation been restricted to short perforated intervals?"" Our solution to previous problems with resin sand consolidation came from applying bold, new concepts. We were motivated to develop methods for sand control with lower total cost, less formation damage, and applications for intervals longer than 10'. We believe our process for sand control creates more opportunities for through tubing workovers. We believe our process provides a potential for gravel pack screen repairs, as well as conventional cased hole completions.
An acid-curable liquid furan resin is the common resin used in the process. The resin is positioned across an interval of an incompetent sand productive formation. Perforations may already exist, or the well is perforated in the resin. A controlled pressure pulse with a downhole gas generator disperses the resin to all perforations.
A propellent gas generator used for dynamic gas pulse loading is the common gas generator. The carrier for the gas generator or a perforating gun is positioned and fired across the interval surrounded by the resin. A pressure pulse from the gas generator drives a quantity of resin into adjacent perforations. A cartoon depiction is shown in Figures 1 and 2.
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