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US 6,554,067 B1Granted
Well completion process for formations with unconsolidated sands
AssigneeTidelands Oil Production Company
InventorsDavid K. Davies, Julius J. Mondragon, III, Philip Scott Hara
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for consolidating sand around a well, involving injecting hot water or steam through well casing perforations in to create a cement-like area around the perforation of sufficient rigidity to prevent sand from flowing into and obstructing the well. The cement area has several wormholes that provide fluid passageways between the well and the formation, while still inhibiting sand inflow.
Claims11
A method for consolidating sand in a well, comprising:
- locating a sub-surface formation containing unconsolidated sands;
- determining whether minerals are present in the formation in sufficient quantities for the formation of complex synthetic silicate cements upon hot water or steam injection into the formation;
- drilling a well into the formation;
- inserting a casing into the well;
- forming perforations in the casing;
- and
- injecting water down the well and through the perforations, the water thereby consolidating the foundation sand adjacent to the perforations to form complex synthetic silicate cements and providing wormholes sufficient for fluid flow between the well and the formation.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.