Formation consolidation process
US7111683B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K8/572
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A formation consolidation process is described which comprises injecting into an unconsolidated or poorly consolidated subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore an aqueous pumpable system comprising an insoluble silica source (e.g., colloidal silica, silica fume or fumed silica) and a source of calcium hydroxide (e.g., aqueous solutions of calcium chloride and sodium hydroxide). The aqueous system may contain a nucleation inhibitor. The components of the aqueous system react to produce a calcium silicate hydrate gel (C-S-H gel) having cementitious properties within the pores of the formation. After the C-S-H gel sets and hardens, the consolidated formation has a high compressive strength (e.g., 500 psi (about 3.5 MPa) or more). The technique can be performed as a remedial treatment or in new completions, but it is particularly useful in workover treatments for existing wells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.