Abstract: A method to improve well performance in gravel packed wells. In this method a wellbore is perforated with four to twelve shots per foot. Thereafter, hydraulic fracturing is conducted in the formation via a viscous fracturing fluid, having a 20/40 mesh proppant therein, which creates and props a fracture. Hydraulic fracturing is ceased and a gravel pack is placed in the wellbore. The gravel pack contains gravel of a mesh smaller than the fracturing fluid proppant, e.g. 40/60 mesh. The larger mesh proppant in the fracture forms a screen which prevents entry of most fines or sand into the fracture while the smaller mesh proppant removes fines or sand escaping the fracture screen. Therefore, this combination removes substantially all fines or sand from hydrocarbonaceous fluids produced to the surface.

Abstract: A mixture of a liquid epoxy material and a hardener is selectively placed in a well traversing a subterranean formation adjacent to a zone in said formation which is to be plugged. The mixture is displaced into the zone and allowed to harden, thereby plugging the zone. The process is particularly applicable to sealing off water production in a gravel-packed well. A positive displacement bailer may be effectively used to deliver the mixture to the zone. The epoxy material used is immiscible with and is heavier than the fluid in the well. The epoxy material is further characterized as being essentially free of solids and having a low viscosity at downhole conditions of temperature and pressure. The hardener has an activation temperature which is lower than the downhole formation temperature.

Abstract: A mixture of an epoxy material and two hardeners is placed in a subsurface zone in which it is desired to form an impermeable zone, and the epoxy is thereafter allowed to harden. The epoxy material and hardeners are characterized inthat: (1) each hardener has a different activation temperature; (2) the amount of each hardener in the mixture is less than that required to totally react the epoxy material; (3) the epoxy material has a low viscosity at subsurface conditions of temperature and pressure; (4) the epoxy material is substantially immiscible with any fluids which are present in the subsurface area; and (5) the hardening time of the epoxy material is of short duration at subsurface conditions of temperature and pressure.

Abstract: We have found that it is possible to produce resin coated particular matter having uniform coating of resin to protect the particles against erosion or dissolution on contact with high pH fluids. The coated sand or other particles is produced by introducing the particles into a mixing device, to which is added a resin mixture comprising a urea formaldehyde resin and a furfural alcohol resin. The sand and resin mixture is mixed for sufficient time to accomplish uniform coating of the sand particle with the resin mixture. Next a foaming aqueous surfactant containing fluid is added which causes the resin-coated sand particles to be suspended in the foaming aqueous mixture. The surfactant fluid also contains acid catalyst. This mixture is allowed to set for a period of time after which the coated particles are washed and then cured at 300.degree. C. to accomplsih drying and complete the polymerization reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluid and method for suspending resin coated sand in order to place the sand adjacent to a production well for the purpose of forming a permeable consolidated gravel pack. The fluid contains a viscosifying amount of hydroxyethylcellulose, sufficient fluorescent dye to increase the viscosity of the fluid, sodium chloride, and an acid forming component such as phthalic anhydride or succinic anhydride. As fluid containing the resin coated gravel particles is pumped down the injection string and positioned where it is desired to form the consolidated gravel pack, the acid forming material slowly reacts with water to form an acid, reducing the pH of the fluid, and thereby reducing the viscosity of the carrier fluid which facilitates the resin coated sand grains coming together in order to form the desired gravel pack.

Abstract: A high strength self-consolidating particle comprised of a particulate substrate, a substantially cured inner resin coating and a fusible curable outer resin coating.

Abstract: A porous, consolidated proppant pack which can be formed within the fractures of a producing formation and/or within the wellbore of an earthen well adjacent a producing formation wherein both particles of a dissolvable material (e.g., calcium carbonate) and proppants (e.g., sand) that have been coated with an unset consolidating material (e.g., a thermosetting resin) are mixed into a carrier liquid, (e.g., diesel) and then flowed down the well and into or adjacent the producing formation where the consolidating material on the proppants sets and consolidates to form the porous, consolidated proppant pack. The dissolvable material is then dissolved out of the pack (e.g., by an acid overflush) to increase the porosity and hence, the permeability of the pack.

Abstract: A method of packing a well, particularly an oil, gas or water well. A particle/liquid slurry is injected into the wellbore, the particle density to liquid density ratio of which is no greater than about 2 to 1. The particles are substantially free of surface adhesive. The particles are strained out of the slurry in the wellbore, so as to produce a packed mass of the particles adjacent the formation. The packed mass is such as to allow flow of fluids therethrough between the formation and the wellbore, while substantially preventing particulate material from the formation passing therethrough and into the wellbore. The well may be deviated. The fluid density is preferably about 0.8 to about 1.2 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: An improved process for removing from a wellbore in a subterranean formation particulate material bonded together by a cured phenolic resin. The material is contacted with a solvent composition comprising a liquid selected from the groups: N,N-dimethylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and mixtures thereof for a sufficient time to separate the particulate material and then the separated material is removed from the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for minimizing formation damage during gravel packing operations in a loosely consolidated hydrocarbonaceous fluid producing formation penetrated by at least one well. Solidifiable chemical blocking agents are used to keep intrusive fluids, e.g. kill fluids, from the hydrocarbonaceous fluid producing interval of said formation during said gravel packing operation. Said blocking agents comprise gels wherein amino resins such as melamine formaldehyde ("MF") resins co-gel and crosslink with polymers useful for profile control where said polymers have amine, amide, hydroxyl and thiol functionalities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling sand flow in an producing well by forming a permeable consolidated gravel pack. Gravel is coated with a resin such as an oligomer of furfuryl alcohol containing an ester and as a catalyst an oil soluble, slightly water soluble organic acid such as anthranilic acid. The resin coated gravel is suspended in a carrier fluid comprising saturated brine and optionally a viscosity increasing polymer. The fluid comprising resin coated gravel and the carrier fluid are pumped through the well into the formation adjacent to the producing well. Heat or pressure cause joining of adjacent coated gravel to form the consolidated gravel pack.

Abstract: A proppant composed of particulate material coated with a solid thermosetting resin that can consolidate and cure at tempertures below about 130.degree. F. An acidic catalyst in a solvent system is used to cure the resin underground.

Abstract: A method of packing a deviated well, particularly an oil, gas or water well. A particle/liquid slurry is injected into the wellbore, the particle density to liquid density ratio of which is no greater than about 2 to 1. The particles have a coating of adhesive on them. The particles are strained out of the slurry in the wellbore, so as to produce a packed mass of the particles adjacent the formation. The packed mass is such as to allow flow of fluids therethrough between the formation and the wellbore, while substantially preventing particulate material from the formation passing therethrough and into the wellbore. The fluid density is preferably about 0.8 to about 1.2 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: A method for completion of an inclined or deviated well having an in-line opening on its lower side. A work string tubing is removed and a production tube having a slotted liner is directed through a gelled fluid. The gelled fluid is removed and an in-casing gravel pack is placed within said wellbore. Hydrocarbonaceous fluids are then produced from said wellbore.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for consolidating solids, either existing or placed in subterranean zones. The solids are contacted with a low viscosity aqueous carrier fluid having an acid curable resin dispersed therein and a delayed acting acid catalyst dissolved therein. The delayed acting catalyst is comprised of the reaction product of an acid and an alkali metal or ammonium molybdate.

Abstract: A method for minimizing formation damage during gravel packing operations in a loosely consolidated hydrocarbonaceous fluid producing formation penetrated by at least one well. Solidifiable chemical blocking agents are used to keep intrusive fluids, e.g. kill fluids, from the hydrocarbonaceous fluid producing interval of said formation during said gravel packing operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for extracting a viscous hydrocarbon from a productive substrate which is characterized by amounts of unconsolidated sand particles. A hot, thermal stimulating medium is introduced at an elevated pressure to the productive substrate through the remote end of an elongated well liner. As the hydrocarbon becomes mobile it is urged to the lower pressured segment of the liner. An expandable diverter, pervious to the stimulating medium, is positioned in the liner to form a quasi-barrier. Said barrier is progressively lengthened to cause the stimulating medium to penetrate progressively increasing lengths of the productive substrate to assure extraction of hydrocarbon along the entire liner length.

Abstract: Well bores employed for production of hydrocarbons having open hole completion and zonal breakdown in the locus of the well bore are recompleted, advantageously for injection of a fluid such as CO.sub.2 in an enhanced oil recovery process. Recompletion is effected by packing off the open hole interval, emplacing a particulate material in the packed off interval and broken down zone, adhering the particulates together with an adhesive to form a permeable synthetic rock-like material, reaming out the open hole interval to a greater diameter than the original completion, setting a casing over the open hole interval, cementing between the casing and the reamed out hole, and perforating at the zones to be isolated and to be communicated with from the well bore, e.g., for CO.sub.2 injection.

Abstract: A high strength self-consolidating particle comprised of a particulate substrate, a substantially cured inner resin coating and a fusible curable outer resin coating.

Abstract: A packing material useful in a gravel pack for open or cased wells or in a prepack for use in steam or hot fluid injection and production wells. The packing material is a material which is insoluble in high temperature caustic fluids and subsurface formation fluids. Sintered bauxite is a claimed material.

Abstract: A coal seam is degasified in advance of its being mined by drilling one or more generally horizontal holes from a working face into the seam, and placing a particulate propping agent into the borehole to maintain its integrity.

Abstract: Flow-restricting materials containing epoxy resins present in a well treated with an epoxy resin, for the purpose of coating and consolidating unconsolidated sand adjacent the well and/or gravel packing in the well, or of coating metallic equipment in the well, to prevent corrosion or the deposition of organic or inorganic solids on the equipment, by contacting the flow-restricting material with a solvent composition, comprising, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and a diluent in an amount of 0 to 80% by wt., for a time sufficient to form a flowable fluid and removing the flowable fluid from the well. Combination well treatments include consolidating sand and/or gravel in a well or coating metallic equipment in the well with an epoxy resin and, thereafter, subjecting the treated well to the above solvent treatment to remove flow-restricting materials from the well.

Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation comprised of placing in or adjacent the formation a quantity of free-flowing, heat curable particles comprised of a high strength center, a coupling agent chemically bound to the center, a heat curable resin coated over the center; and causing said free flowing particles in or adjacent the formation to form a cohesive mass.

Abstract: Wells drilled in poorly consolidated sand formations can be consolidated by heating a portion of the crude oil in situ in the bottom of the well so as to drive off the lighter ends leaving the heavy ends and asphaltenes at the bottom of the well. If additional pressure is then added at the top of the well, the heated fraction is forced into the surrounding cooler formations where it condenses and cools forming a semi-solid material tending to restrain sand from being produced upon further production of the well. The heated fluids will flow into any channels formed in the sand by said production. Continued application of pressure will cause flow channels to be formed in the cooling heavy portion by the light ends, ensuring permeability of the structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating wells completed in subterranean formations which contain unconsolidated sand particles, so as to form a permeable barrier which will permit the flow of liquids therethrough while restraining the flow of the unconsolidated sand particles into the well bore. The method comprises saturating sand adjacent the well bore to be treated with petroleum having a high asphaltic content and thereafter contacting the asphaltic petroleum with a solvent capable of solubilizing non-asphaltic fractions of the petroleum and precipitating or causing deposition of the asphaltic or bituminous portions of the petroleum. A heated fluid such as steam is thereafter injected into the formation to cause solidification of the asphaltic materials which effectively binds the sand grains together to form a porous mass which will effectively restrain the movement of said particles in the well bore upon subsequently placing the well on production.

Abstract: Sand grains coated with a solid non-cured epoxy resin with a softening point above 35.degree. C. are placed in a well for gravel pack, well repair or fracturing purposes. The epoxy resin softens at formation temperature and reacts with a hardener (such as a tertiary amine) diluted in water present in the pore space of the mass of sand grains. A consolidated mass of sand grains is thus obtained. The coated sand grains can be transported to the well site and stored over long periods at relatively high temperatures without risk of quality decrease.

Abstract: Particles coated with a fusible thermosetting resin are placed in the vicinity of a wellbore and in conjunction with a subterranean formation surrounding the wellbore and are cured in the presence of a treating solution containing a softening agent capable of reducing the fusion temperature of the resin.

Abstract: In a well treating process for consolidating a mass of particles with an epoxy resin precipitated from a resin-forming solution, a significant improvement is provided by using: a polyamino curing agent, a particular ratio of curing agent to epoxide, and a pretreatment which wets the particles with an aqueous liquid that contains an effective proportion of a dimethylaminomethyl-substituted phenol.

Abstract: An aqueous based slurry is described comprising (1) a thickened water-based carrying fluid, (2) a particulate solid, e.g., gravel, and (3) a resin system comprising an epoxy resin and a novel crosslinking agent. The cross-linking agent is a polymethylene polyphenylamine bearing one or more silane groups of the formula--CH.sub.2 CH(OH)CH.sub.2 O--C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 alkylene --Si(OR').sub.3,wherein each R' independently is hydrogen or lower alkyl. This pumpable slurry is suitable for use in emplacing a permeable, consolidated gravel pack between the casing of a well and an incompetent subterranean formation. The slurry is easily formed on site by merely blending the components in an appropriate ratio using conventional equipment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating wells completed in subterranean formations to form a mechanically stable, permeable mass which permits flow of fluids therethrough into or from the well, while restricting the movement of unconsolidated earth formation particles such as sand into the well. This method is especially suitable for treating producing wells in a subterranean formation being subjected to thermal oil recovery stimulation of viscous oil production such as by steam flooding, which causes rapid deteriation of consolidated sand or gravel masses formed with plastic resins. The method comprises contacting sand with an aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide, plus an effective amount of calcium salt having solubility greater than calcium hydroxide, such as calcium chloride, plus an alkalinity agent such as sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A compound containing an aromatic or .alpha.-carbonyl enediol functional group is effectively employed as a breaker for the gelled aqueous carrier fluid in aqueous epoxy resin slurries of the type suitable for use in emplacing a permeably consolidated particulate mass in communication with a permeable subterranean formation.

Abstract: Particular aqueous gels, epoxy resin compositions and optional additives such as diluents, retarders and accelerators are described which produce a practical composition and method for in situ sand consolidation and gravel packing by which a resin coated sand is positioned in a desired location and cured by an internal catalyst to form a porous permeable or plugged consolidated mass.

Abstract: A method of forming a gravel pack in a wellbore is disclosed which involves disposing a pipe adjacent the incompetent formation, depositing gravel around the pipe, consolidating the resulting gravel bed using a suitable resinous material, and removing the pipe to leave a high permeability, high strength, self-supporting annular gravel sheath.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the invention involves treatment of a subterranean site, i.e., the producing sand sites, in a well bore to prevent infiltration of subterranean solids into the well bore or to stabilize or modify the area surrounding a portion of the well bore. Said invention includes the local injection of a selective substantially occluding quantity of a curable resin foaming material from a source located at the subterranean site. Said material, upon curing, forms a substantially chemically and dimensionally stable porous resin mechanically rigid occluding structure which is permeable to liquids and gases while same is impermeable to solids. After injection, the foaming material will cure in situ to form the above-mentioned structure at the subterranean site.

Abstract: A system for producing bitumen from unconsolidated tar sands in an open well includes a screen positioned in the well large enough to pass a majority of the formation sand and small enough to retain a gravel packing material, a pair of high pressure fluid lateral nozzles fracturably fastened in the bottom of the screen, a wash pipe extending down into the screen for detachably connecting to the nozzles and for washing out a cavity in the tar sand formation, a ball weight for dropping down the wash pipe for knocking the nozzles out of the bottom of the screen for allowing a consolidated gravel pack material to emerge from the screen bottom and form the gravel pack on the screen, and the wash pipe being replaceable with a production tube packed off at the screen mid point for allowing hot aqueous fluids to flow from a screen annulus formed between the production tube and the screen into the cavity for producing oil.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing oil from a subterranean reservoir of tar sands as unconsolidated oil bearing sands. The method comprises basically (1) setting a screen in an open hole, the screen being large enough to pass a majority of the formation sand and small enough to retain a packing material, (2) running a wash pipe through the screen for connecting to a lateral nozzle in a hole in the bottom of the screen for washing out a cavity around the screen, (3) dropping a weight down the wash pipe for breaking off the nozzle for enlarging the screen bottom opening and (4) ejecting a consolidating gravel packing material through the large bottom opening for forming a consolidated gravel pack around the screen for primary production, or (5) agglomerating the gravel pack with chemicals as with resins, plastics, or jelly for secondary recovery production.

Abstract: A well treating process in which a granular mass is consolidated by contacting it with an epoxy resin-forming solution that precipitates a self-curing partially-cured resin, is improved by using such a solution that contains a viscosity-increasing amount of an otherwise substantially inert oil-soluble polymer.

Abstract: A method and composition is provided for positioning a polymeric material having particulate matter disposed therein in a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. The composition consists essentially of a hydrocarbon oil, a quaternary salt of an essentially undegraded, cellulose sulfate, solid particulate matter in an amount equal to from about 0.25 to about 22 pounds of particulate matter per gallon of hydrocarbon oil and an acid-settable thermosetting resin in an amount equal to from about 0.1 to about 5.0 gallons per cubic foot of particulate material. The composition is placed in contact with a subterranean formation in a wellbore by a method comprising injecting a first mixture consisting essentially of said quaternary salt of an essentially undegraded cellulose sulfate mixed with hydrocarbon oil followed by the injection of the composition with a post injection of an additional quantity of the quaternary salt in oil.

Abstract: A method of gravel packing a well comprising injecting into the well bore opposite a production zone a slurry of a particulate material which can be, for example, silicon carbide, zircon or garnet to form a deposit of the granular material against the wall of the well bore. The in-place, particulate material is then electrolessly plated with a metal such as nickel to form a consolidated, permeable, coated sand control pack thereby minimizing migration of sand and other granular materials into the well bore from the production zone.

Abstract: A method of gravel packing a well comprising injecting into the well bore opposite a production zone a slurry of metal-coated sand to form a deposit of the coated sand against the wall of the well bore. The in-place, metal-coated sand is then electrolessly plated with a metal such as nickel to form a consolidated permeable, coated sand pack thereby minimizing migration of sand and other granular materials into the well bore from the production zone.

Abstract: Sand control in an incompetent formation is effected by squeezing a thickened composition [comprising a hydrocarbon oil carrier, particulate matter (e.g. sand) a base-settable thermosetting resin, a neutralizing agent (e.g., lauryl amine), a miscible polar solvent (e.g. ethanol), and a carboxy vinyl polymer (e.g. CARBOPOL 934)] in contact with the incompetent formation and curing with a basic catalyst.

Abstract: An aqueous based slurry is disclosed containing an aqueous carrier fluid, a chelating agent, an epoxy resin, a curing agent for the resin, a solvent for said resin and curing agent, a finely divided particulate material, a quaternary ammonium halide, and a coupling agent to promote bonding of the resin to the particulate. Optionally, the slurry may contain a thickening or gelling agent for the water to enhance its solids carrying capacity and an agent to break the gel after its purpose has been served. The slurry, suitable for use in placing a permeable, consolidated gravel pack adjacent an incompetent subterranean formation, is characterized in that it does not require an oil-based carrier and also in that it can easily be prepared in the field by adding the particulate directly to the aqueous carrier without precoating the particulate with the resin.

Abstract: An aqueous based slurry is disclosed containing an aqueous carrier fluid, an epoxy resin, a curing agent for the resin, a solvent for said resin and curing agent, a finely divided particulate material, a particular quaternary ammonium halide, and a coupling agent to promote bonding of the resin to the particulate. Optionally, the slurry may contain a thickening or gelling agent for the water to enhance its solids carrying capacity and an agent to break the gel after its purpose has been served. The slurry, suitable for use in placing a permeable, consolidated gravel pack adjacent an incompetent subterranean formation, is characterized in that it does not require an oil-based carrier and also in that it can easily be prepared in the field by adding the particulate directly to the aqueous carrier without precoating the particulate with the resin.

Abstract: Methods of consolidating incompetent subterranean formations are provided whereby aqueous treating solutions are utilized to condition the formation, to carry a hardenable organic consolidating fluid into the formation and/or to carry particulated solids coated with a hardenable organic consolidating fluid into the formation and to cause the organic consolidating fluid to harden whereby a hard permeable mass is formed in the formation which prevents the undesirable movement of loose or incompetent sands therein.

Abstract: Openings such as the pores of a permeable subterranean earth formation are plugged by inflowing a slurry of fine solid particles suspended in an aqueous emulsion that contains a dispersed oil-phase solution of a polyepoxide, an aminosilane, and a tertiary nitrogen-containing amine which is capable of causing the polyepoxide to polymerize while causing the particles to become oil-wet.

Abstract: Bituminous hydrocarbons are recovered from unconsolidated tar sands by in-place, selective leaching with a hot condensate formed upon contact with hot solvent vapors injected in the formation. The composition and temperature of the vapors are regulated so that a less soluble fraction of the tar is left behind as a residue. This residue does not dissolve in the vapors passing through the already leached portion of the formation and continues to act as a sand-supporting and immobilizing agent. Thus, subsidence of the leached formation and release of sand grains (which tend to interfere with removal of the leachate from the formation) are avoided. Solvent for the process is obtainable by distillation or cracking of the produced bitumens.

Abstract: A permeable consolidated gravel pack is placed in a borehole adjacent an incompetent formation by first emplacing a self-breaking gel in the formation to temporarily plug the formation, and then injecting a slurry of treated particulate matter, e.g. resin coated sand, to form the consolidated gravel pack. The method is particularly useful for the treatment of incompetent formations having unusually low pressures and high permeabilities.

Abstract: A method of completing a sandy production zone located downhole in a borehole by spotting a polymeric agent adjacent to the production zone, perforating the casing adjacent to the zone, and simultaneously increasing the pressure on the agent to a value which exceeds the formation pressure so that the polymeric agent is forced back up into the perforations as they are formed by the hot jets issuing from the gun.The polymeric agent is allowed to "set up" into a porous self-supporting mass, the pressure on the agent is reduced, and the well produced with flow of the production occurring through the porous mass.

Abstract: Gelled hydrocarbon compositions comprising a liquid hydrocarbon, a partial aluminum salt of an alkyl acid orthophosphate and a neutralizing amount of a polyamine which retain gel character in the presence of epoxy resins and aromatic diamines and a method for their preparation.

Abstract: Particles are resin-coated in a remote location, such as a subterranean reservoir or a sand or gravel pack, by contacting them with a cationic aqueous emulsion which contains a resin-forming mixture of a polyepoxide and a relatively water-soluble tertiary-amine that is capable of both catalyzing the polymerization of the polyepoxide and oil-wetting of solid surfaces.