Completing unconsolidated subterranean producing zones

摘要

Subterranean producing zones containing unconsolidated sands penetrated by well bores are completed by placing a sand screen in the zone, isolating the annulus between the sand screen and the well bore in the zone, introducing particulate solids and foam-forming pellets, or open cell foam pieces with or without particulate solids and foam-forming pellets, into the annulus between the sand screen and the well bore to thereby form a formation sand screening permeable pack in the annulus. When utilized, the foam-forming pellets are activated by heat or other means to form a foam which expands and solidifies in the pack thereby eliminating voids and strengthening the pack.