Extensive Testing of Glass-Based Chemical Consolidation on Carbonate Reservoir

Abstract

Chemical consolidation of carbonate reservoirs offers the possibility of increasing the production and longevity of wells while minimizing the associated operational expenses. A novel glass-based chemical solution has been tested to understand the potentially beneficial consolidation and treatment effects that this can have on a chalk reservoir. The testing and modeling results, along with operational application methods will be shared and discussed within this paper. Over 80 core flood injection tests were performed to investigate the injection parameters and results on post-treatment strength and permeability. A variety of strength measurements were used to understand the full impact on the resulting strength properties. Over 20 fracture embedment tests with proppants were conducted to determine the strengthening effects in the chalk face and assess the resulting permeability in propped fractures. The results of all these tests and models are compiled and compared to understand the trends and relationships in order to determine the most effective injection parameters and post-treatment effects achievable in the chalk reservoir. The laboratory results have demonstrated that this chemical solution can strengthen intact cores, consolidate chalk powder, strengthen the chalk face in proppant fractures, all while retaining a high degree of the original permeability, and in some cases increasing it. If field trials can replicate the same outcome, there is the potential to increase drawdown limits, reduce chalk production, alleviate productivity decline, ultimately boosting production potential, and concurrently mitigating the risks of deferred production and operational costs associated with interventions. This could be a solution for new wells on the Valhall field to help sustain stable production rates and prolong the longevity of the wells. Glass-based chemical solutions are new to the industry and present the opportunity for unique solutions to the consolidation and sealing challenges we face. This novel chemical solution is now ready for evaluation through suitable field trials and its core technology could potentially have applications beyond carbonate consolidation.