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Technology
Assessment & Research (TA&R) Program
| Project Number |
306 |
| Date of Summary |
October 31, 2000 |
| Subject |
Low Viscosity Fluids for Plugging
Microfine Fractures |
| Performing Activity |
Westport Technology Center
International |
| Principal Investigator |
Dr. Cyrus Irani |
| Contracting Agency |
Minerals Management Service |
| Estimated Completion |
Complete |
| Description |
Gas migration
through channels formed in cement sheaths is a major problem in producing
oil and gas. This problem can cause gas pressure on the casing annulus,
inter-zonal communication with lost production, or a blowout. One remedial
technique is to perform a squeeze job to inject an extremely fine cement
slurry. The cement may block some channels, but, there are problems with
penetration and vertical migration. Another option is to use solids-free
materials, like epoxy resins or polymer gels. These materials can't block
all of the channels where the gas may migrate. The goal of this project is
to develop a mechanism for dissolving a high viscosity polymer in a
continuous low viscosity solvent phase. When this fluid is injected into the
sheath, it can follow the fracture paths. The mixture can be destabilized by
increasing the temperature or decreasing the pressure, once it has
penetrated the migration channels. |
| Progress |
The project is
complete. |
| Report |
AA (34
pages)
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Irani, Cyrus A.
Mitigating the Problem of Gas Migration Final Report CEA-96, Westport
Technology Center International. June 26, 2000. |
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