SAND CONSOLIDATION METHODS

摘要

SAND CONSOLIDATION METHODS D# 78,909-F Methods are provided for selectively consolidating naturally occurring mineral grains such as sand within a subterranean formation to form a fluid permeable barrier which restrains the movement of sand particles when oil passes through the barrier. A fluid comprising a polymerizable resin such as an oligomer of furfuryl alcohol and as a diluent, a polar organic solvent such as butylacetate and an oil soluble, slightly water-soluble acid catalyst such as orthonitrobenzoic acid is provided and injected into the formation to be consolidated. Water which is at least 70% saturated with respect to sodium chloride or other effective inorganic salt is then injected into the resin fluid saturated formation to open flow paths within the portion of the formation invaded by the polymerizable resin fluid. The well is shut in for sufficient period of time for polymerization to convert the injected fluids into a permeable barrier around the wellbore.