Application of an improvised inorganic–organic chemical mixture to consolidate loose sand formations in oil fields

• A novel chemical composition consisting of inorganic silicates and organic resins for sand consolidation is proposed.
• The chemical mixture is effectively able to convert loose sands into a compact one.
• Effects of chemical concentration, curing time and curing temperature on UCS and permeability retention are investigated.
• Consolidated sand attains a UCS of 1378 psi with 69% retained permeability.

Sand production in the reservoir has been acknowledged as a critical issue related to oil/gas fields for many years because it gives rise to many serious problems in oil/gas production. Sand production from wells can damage surface and subsurface equipment as well as it can reduce the well productivity, thus it can have an adverse effect on economy of the oil production. Sand control includes various mechanical and chemical techniques. Chemical method could alleviate various other problems like shutting of well, limitation regarding well bore size, clogging/plugging etc.The present paper focuses on preparation of a mixed chemicals comprised of organic resins with various inorganic chemicals which is effectively able to convert loose sands into a compact one under suitable environment. Two organic resins UF, MF when mixed with inorganic silicate and curing agents showed much improved uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) (>1300 psi) while maintaining comparatively high porosity and permeability. Effects of various compositions of chemicals, pH, salinity, curing temperatures and times were investigated in detail and parameters were optimized for the best results. The experimental results showed that mixture of needs less amount of chemicals compared to the individual ones.

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