High solids content slurries and methods
US8765646B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/267
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A slurry and method are disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The slurry comprises a solids mixture comprising a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a packed volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75; a carrier fluid in an amount to provide a solids volume fraction (SVF) less than the PVF of the solids mixture; and a stability additive to inhibit settling of the solids mixture. The method comprises circulating the slurry into a wellbore to deposit the slurry downhole; terminating the slurry circulation for a period of time, wherein the stability additive inhibits settling of the solids mixture; and thereafter circulating the deposited slurry in contact with a surface of a screen. Stability additives disclosed include colloidal particles, hydratable polymer particles, and particles having an aspect ratio above 6.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.