Patent · US Expired

Sand consolidation methods

US4903770A · kind A · utility

85Cited by
7References
29Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 30, 1989
Grant dateFeb 27, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 30, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC09K8/5755
  • WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.