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Sandbed Consolidation with Mineral Precipitation.
Paraskeva1, Charalambous, Stokka
1Institute of Chemical Engineering and High Temperature Processes-FORTH, Patras, GR 26 500, Greece
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|December 1, 2000
Summary
A novel method uses in situ calcium phosphate precipitation to consolidate unconsolidated oil reservoirs, preventing sand reentrainment and increasing hydrocarbon production. This technique effectively cements sand grains while maintaining crucial permeability for oil flow.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Unconsolidated or poorly consolidated formations pose challenges in oil production due to sand reentrainment.
- Maintaining reservoir permeability is critical for efficient hydrocarbon extraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new method for in situ reservoir consolidation.
- To prevent sand reentrainment and enhance oil production rates from problematic formations.
Main Methods:
- In situ precipitation of calcium phosphate by alternating injection of calcium chloride and potassium phosphate solutions.
- Controlled precipitation to form uniform grain coatings and cementation bridges.
- Experimental testing under diverse conditions, including 25°C and 70°C.
Main Results:
- Successful consolidation of sandbeds with acceptable permeability loss (approx. 60% at 25°C).
- Formation of octacalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite as cementing agents.
- Demonstrated feasibility of consolidating loose sandpacks at oil reservoir conditions (70°C).
Conclusions:
- The in situ calcium phosphate precipitation method effectively consolidates unconsolidated reservoir formations.
- This approach enhances hydrocarbon production rates by mitigating sand reentrainment.
- The method is adaptable to various reservoir conditions, including elevated temperatures.