High solids content slurries and methods.

(54) Title: GROUTS WITH HIGH CONTENT OF SOLIDS AND METHODS. (54) Title: HIGH SOLIDS CONTENT SLURRIES AND METHODS.

(57) Summary

A grout and method for low damage gravel packing is described. The slurry comprises a mixture of solids comprising a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that the packed volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.60; a carrier fluid in an amount to provide a volume fraction of solids (SVF) less than the PVF of the solids mixture; and a stability additive to inhibit settlement of the solids mixture. The method involves circulating the grout in a well hole to deposit the grout in the deep hole; and finish the circulation of the grout for a time, where the stability additive inhibits the settlement of the solids mixture. The disclosed stability additives include colloidal particles, hydratable polymer particles, and particles having an aspect ratio above 6.

(57) Abstract

A slurry and method are disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The slurry comprises a solids mixture comprising a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a packed volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.60; a carrier fluid in an amount to provide a solids volume fraction (SVF) less than the PVF of the solids mixture; and a stability additive to inhibit settling of the solids mixture. The method comprises circulating the slurry into a wellbore to deposit the slurry downhole; and terminating the slurry circulation for a period of time, where the stability additive inhibits settling of the solids mixture. Stability additives disclosed inelude colloidal particles, hydratable polymer particles, and particles having an aspect ratio above 6.

YO LO SE

SCMIMÍA 1 «ITOSOMi *

Ins title

Mexican Property

Industrial

PATENT TITLE NO. 336480

Owner (s): SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY BV

Address: Parkstraat 83-89, NL-2514, The Hague, NETHERLANDS

Name: GROUTS WITH A HIGH CONTENT OF SOLIDS AND METHODS. Classification: IC 8: E21B43 / 267 inventor

MOHAN KR PANGA; PHILIP F. SULLIVAN; BALKRISHNA GADIYAR; RYAN

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'Igenci a: Twenty eolia of V

I patent

I&gt; conformity with the &lt;ntada from the date &lt;ceilings.

(lien subscribes e) piesenttBiitulo lo hfle con fúndame I oponía Industrial (Official Journal of: / 01/2004, 06/16/2005, 2 £ 11/2006, 0fl05 / 2009.06 / 01/2010, i smooth a), 4 * yÍ2 · fraocior (/ 07/2002, 07/16/2004, 2 {7/2004 and 109/2007); articles 1 ·, 3 °, 4 °, 5 · &lt;UHMMMlaÉaaadaM '^r° pi^age ΜνΜΜΜ ____Λ.

and 5 subsection a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy Directors General, Coordinator, Divisional Directors. TITULARS of the Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 04/02/2000, 07/29/2004, 04/08/2004 and 09/13/2007).

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Arenal No. 550. Floor 1,

Coi. Pueblo Santa Maris Tepepan, Xochimiico Delegation,

CP 16020, Mexico .. DF Tel. (55) 53 34 07 00 www.impi.qob.mx

Issue Date: January 21, 2016

DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

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NAHANNY CANAL REYES

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MX / 2016/5019

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GROUTS WITH A HIGH CONTENT OF SOLIDS AND MÉ1

BACKGROUND

Instilled

Mexican

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tadusiridl

The statements in this section merely provide the foregoing information in relation to the present description and may not constitute prior art.

The gravel packs are placed in the pits between a screen and a casing pipe and / or formation face to prevent formation sand from flowing into the hole and to improve conductivity of the hole and near the hole. Conductivity in the hole and near the hole is important because any damage at those locations significantly increases the pressure drop of the fluid flow, thereby reducing the production or injection capacity of the well. Furthermore, current placement techniques for gravel packages, with or without simultaneous hydraulic fracturing of the formation, can be a complex procedure that requires several stages and the proper functioning of moving parts in a hostile pit environment. Consequently, there is a demand for further improvements in this area of ​​technology.

COMPENDIUM

Some modalities are unique procedures for creating a fluid with a high fraction of solids. Other modalities include unique systems, methods, systems and apparatus for low damage gravel packaging. Modalities, shapes, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and additional benefits will become apparent from the description and drawings below.

The current Invention in various modalities describes methods, slurries and gravel fracture packing or wrapping systems of a well using slurries containing a high fraction of solids. Solids comprise a plurality of different particle size distribution modes to increase the solid volume fraction in the slurry and the compacted volume fraction in the gravel or fracture package. In one embodiment, the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of volume average particle size distribution (PSD) modes where a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume average median size at least three times larger than the volume-average median size of a second PSD mode such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) of the solids mixture exceeds 0.60, or 0.75. In another mode, the smaller PSD modes

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They can be removed from the package to increase the porosity and permeability for the flow of institute fluids through the package. . , Xlcano of the Property

In one embodiment, one method comprises combining a carrier fluid and an industrial solids mixture to form a slurry, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged Particle Size Distribution (PSD) modes, wherein a first way of

PSD comprises solids having a volume average median size at least three times larger than the volume average median size of a second PSD mode such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) of the solids mixture exceeds 0.60, and wherein the mixture of solids comprises a degradable material and includes a reactive solid;

circulate the grout through a hole to form a package of the solids mixture that has a PVF that exceeds 0.60 in one or both of a fracture in a formation and a ring between a screen and the hole; degrade the degradable material in the package to increase the porosity and ± 5 permeability of the package; and producing a reservoir fluid from the formation through the increased porosity package.

In one embodiment, the degradable material can be dissolved by changing the pH in the solids package. For example, alumina trihydrate particles at neutral pH are solubilized at high as well as low pH. In other embodiments, the degradable material is soluble in basic fluids, for example, the degradable material is selected from amphoteric oxides, esters, coated acids, and combinations thereof; and the solids mixture may further include a base or a base precursor that is optionally sparingly soluble and / or encapsulated, or the solids may be contacted with a basic aqueous solution.

In additional embodiments, the degradable material is soluble in acidic fluids, for example, the degradable material is selected from oxides and hydroxides of aluminum, zinc, tin, lead, boron, silicon, and iron; carbonates, sulfates, oxides and hydroxides of calcium, magnesium and barium; and combinations of these; and the solids mixture may further include an acid or an acid precursor that is optionally sparingly soluble and / or encapsulated, or the solids may be contacted with an acidic aqueous solution. In one embodiment, the acidic precursor is selected from the group consisting of hydrolyzable esters, acidic anhydrides, acidic sulfonates, acid halides, and combinations thereof.

In additional embodiments, the degradable material may be an encapsulated water-soluble or oil-soluble solid that can be removed from the gravel or holding agent package by decapsulating

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Excluding the solid. Alternatively or additionally, the degradable material may be a soluble solid ^ and the carrier in the slurry may be either a saturated solution of the soluble solid, for example IFUDUS / III salt and brine solids, or an inverse emulsion where the soluble solid is dispersed in the oil phase. The soluble solid can be extracted by contacting the package with a subsaturated aqueous medium and / or breaking the emulsion.

In another embodiment, a composition comprises the slurry used in the method just described, i.e., a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids combined to form a self-dispersible slurry, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of size distribution modes of volume-averaged particle (PSD), wherein a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume average median size at least three times larger than the volume average median size of a second PSD mode such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) of the mixture of solids exceeds 0.60, and where the mixture of solids comprises a degradable material and includes a reactive solid.

In another embodiment, the invention addresses the problem of fluid leakage from the multimodal slurry into the screen. Fluid loss from the multlmodal grout can cause premature bridging, making it difficult to place the grout in the ring around the sieve in the sieve placement method first, or to fit the sieve into the multimodal grout in the lay method grout first. In one embodiment, the screen is plugged with a degradable fluid loss particle, which after gravel placement and screen placement, is subsequently removed by dissolution, for example to restore the permeability of the screen element for production of fluid from the formation.

In one embodiment, the screen is contacted with a separating fluid comprising the degradable particles of fluid loss prior to contact of the screen with the gravel containing slurry.

In the former separator mode: the separator can be pumped to the bottom of the well inside the ring around the sieve positioned at the bottom of the well in the first sieve method, followed by the slurry containing the gravel; or, in the case of the grout mode first, the grout is placed in the hole, followed by the separator placed above the gravel containing grout, and then the screen is passed through the separator before grout enters. , whereby the screen is blocked at least temporarily with the fluid loss particles to inhibit leakage of the multimodal slurry into the screen.

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Institute

In an alternate embodiment, the multimodal grout comprises a bridging composition to bridge the screen when the grout is brought into contact with Industrial 4fttoiBfOPlity whereby the screen is blocked at least temporarily to inhibit leakage from the grout multimodal towards the sieve.

In one embodiment, one method comprises: combining a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids to form a slurry, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a fraction Compacted volume (PVF) of the solids mixture exceeds 0.60; contacting a screen with a fluid comprising a leak control agent to bridge the screen to inhibit fluid ingress; position the screen in a hole and circulate the grout through the hole in any order so that the solids mixture is deposited between the screen and the hole; degrade the degradable material in the package to increase the porosity and permeability of the package; remove the bridge from the sieve; and producing a reservoir fluid from the formation through the increased porosity package and screen.

In one embodiment, the leak control fluid comprises a separating fluid introduced into the hole. In one embodiment, the slurry is circulated through the hole prior to positioning the screen in the hole, the separating fluid is positioned in the hole above the slurry, and the screen is passed through the separating fluid in the hole and then it fits inside the grout. In an alternate embodiment, the screen is positioned in the hole before the grout is circulated within a ring between the screen and the hole, and where the separating fluid is circulated within the ring prior to the grout. In one embodiment, the separating fluid and the slurry are sequentially pumped through a central flow passage to a bottom end of the screen and into the ring.

In one embodiment, the slurry comprises the leak control agent and the bridge is formed in the screen during circulation of the slurry. In one embodiment, the solids mixture comprises at least three PSD modes, wherein a first quantity of particles has a first PSD, a second quantity of particles has a second PSD, and a third quantity of particles has a third PSD, in where the first PSD is two to three to ten times larger than the second PSD, and where the second PSD is larger than the third PSD, preferably 1.5 to ten times larger in one modality, three to ten to fifteen times larger in another modality, approximately 1.5 to 4 times larger in an alternate modality, and 1.5 to less than three times greater in an additional modality. In an alternate mode or

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Ld

Additional Institute, the solids mixture comprises the three or more PSD modes to form the bridge ^andMexlcanO the sieve.

OF THE PROPERTY. industrial

In further embodiments, the carrier fluid may further comprise a fluid loss additive, such as, for example, latex dispersions, water soluble polymers, submicron particles, and particles with different shapes, and / or a slurry stabilizer, such such as nanoparticles, polymers that hydrate at high temperatures, and high aspect ratio particles.

In another embodiment, grout placement may require that the grout be kept suspended for extended periods of time without sedimentation so that rheological characteristics are retained, for example, when gravel-laden grout is placed in an open hole followed by the sieve fitting there, There may be a delay of up to 48 hours between the circulation of the grout inside the hole and the sieve fitting while the grout circulation work string is removed from the hole and the screen is activated. If the solids settle prematurely, the high solids slurry may lose its fluid properties and an excessive amount of force may be required to push the screen into the settled slurry. In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a slurry comprises a mixture of solids comprising a plurality of PSD modes such that a PVF exceeds 0.60; a carrier fluid in an amount to provide an SVF less than the PVF of the solids mixture; and a stability additive to inhibit sedimentation of the solids mixture. In another embodiment, one method comprises combining the carrier fluid, the solids mixture, and the stability additive to form the slurry; circulate the grout into a hole to deposit the grout at the bottom of the well; end the circulation of the grout over a period of time, where the stability additive inhibits the sedimentation of the solids mixture; and after that circulate the deposited grout in contact with a screen surface.

In embodiments, the stability additive comprises colloidal particles, such as, for example, γ-alumina, MgO, and-Fe2O3, and combinations thereof; hydratable polymer particles, for example, polymer particles having a hydration temperature above 60 ° C such as gellan gum; high aspect ratio particles, eg, an aspect ratio above 6, such as, for example, flakes which may optionally be degradable such as a lactide and / or glycolide polymer or copolymer.

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The present invention provides modalities for placing the grout in a gravel packed Mexican Mineral operation. In various embodiments, a gravel packing screen is cde ^ CI ^ Proprietary a pit and the grout and / or grout solids are placed in a ring between the screen and the pit / n ^ UStrial in any order. In one embodiment, the screen is initially placed in the screen hole first, and then the grout is circulated down the pipe, through a packer and a crossover port, and into the annular space around the screens. In a further modality of sieve first, grout deployment can include a bottom-up pumping method, which allows modalities for gravel and / or fracture packing immediately after drilling, for gravel packing during cementing , for the inclusion of chemical packers, for the use of large diameter sieves and other additional variations. In another embodiment, a fitting technique is used where the grout is initially circulated into the hole, and then the screen is positioned in the hole. In this embodiment, the screen displaces the slurry from the central part of the hole and the grout fills or remains in the sieve-hole ring.

In another embodiment, after the slurry is placed in the screen ring and open / lined hole and / or in a fracture, all or at least part of the different solid particles of gravel in the fluid are flowed back towards the surface leaving a packet of permeable gravel in the ring. In this embodiment, the method comprises forming a stable, self-dispersible slurry comprising a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.60, and wherein the solids mixture comprises at least one holding agent PSD mode and one fines PSD mode. In one embodiment, the slurry is circulated through a hole to form a support agent package from depositing the solid mixture in one or both of a fracture in a formation and a ring between a screen and the hole, the Fines in the package are contacted with a dispersant, and fluid is passed through the package to extract the fines.

Another embodiment is a system for effecting the fines return flow method. In this modality, a hole is provided in continuous communication with an underground formation. In one embodiment, a gravel packing slurry comprises a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of modes of

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Volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) so that a fraction L £ fO of compacted volume (PVF) exceeds 0.60, where the mixture of solids comprises at least one property PSD mode of agent bra and a fine PSD mode. A pump fits P^ar^ £ ¡UísÍÍÍGl circulate the grout into the pit to deposit the solids mixture and form a support agent package in one or both of a fracture formation and a ring between a sieve and the formation. The system comprises an effective dispersant source to facilitate the return flow of fines from the package.

In one embodiment, a multi PSD mode grout comprises a relatively large holding agent, for example, of a type and size commonly used in gravel packaging, and the grout has a composition to efficiently control leaks within the screen and / or or formation while facilitating the removal of the smallest particles after gravel placement. This one-method grout method and system allows the transport of gravel to the wellhead at a low flow rate, without having to change the diameter of the wash pipe to control leaks, and can further reduce the risk of fracture on long horizontals where a high pumping speed would otherwise require transporting gravel using conventional methods and systems. In one embodiment, a slurry comprises a mixture of solids in a carrier fluid. The mixture of solids in this embodiment comprises at least a first, second, third, and fourth volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes so that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) of the solids mixture is greater than 0.60, where a volume fraction of solids (SVF) of the slurry is less than the PVF of the solids mixture, where the first PSD mode is at least three times larger than the second PSD mode, the second PSD mode is larger than the third PSD mode, and the third PSD mode is larger than the fourth PSD mode, and wherein at least one of the second and third PSD modes is less than 3 times bigger than the respective third or fourth PSD mode. In one embodiment, the solids mixture further comprises a fifth PSD mode, wherein the fourth PSD mode is larger than the fifth PSD mode and preferably less than 3 times as large as the fifth PSD mode.

In modalities where the smallest PSD modes are close in size with respect to the next largest and / or smallest PSD modes, a relatively high solids packaging volume fraction can be obtained using a smaller proportion of the modes. of smaller PSDs, and still surprisingly fine return flow

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it can be provided when desired to convert the high PVF package to a permeable gravel package and / or a fracture package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for packaging low-damage gravel. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a device for depositing particles between an outer surface of a screen and a surface of a hole in a formation.

Fig. 3A is a schematic diagram of a device for depositing particles between an outer surface of a screen and a surface of a pit in a first position formation.

Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram of a device for depositing particles between an outer surface of a screen and a surface of a pit in a second position formation.

Fig. 4A is a schematic diagram of a device for depositing particles between an outer surface of a screen and a surface of a pit in a first position formation.

Fig. 4B is a schematic diagram of a device for depositing particles between an outer surface of a screen and a surface of a pit in a second position formation.

Fig. 4C is a schematic diagram of a device for depositing particles between an outer surface of a screen and a surface of a hole in a third position formation.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a device for depositing particles between an outer surface of a screen and a pit in a formation using a bottom-up grout deployment technique.

Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a device for depositing particles between an outer surface of a screen and a pit in a formation using a bottom-up grout deployment technique where the grout is pumped through the sieve assembly using a wash pipe.

Fig. 6B is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of Fig. 6A after grout placement and packer set-up.

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Fig. Ί is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a device similar to that of Fig.

fVi © Ai Ό O 51S to deposit particles in a fracture as well as between an outer surface of a hole in a formation, using a bottom-up grout deployment technique where the grout is pumped through the screen assembly by a washing pipe.

i

Fig. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of one embodiment of a device for depositing particles between an outer surface of a screen and a pit in a formation using a bottom-up grout deployment technique where blocked screens are they run in the hole as a part of the final production run.

Fig. 8B is a schematic diagram of a partial perspective section of the device of Fig.

8A after removing the lock for production.

Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of an alternate embodiment of the device of Figs. 8A-8B where the base pipe is blocked.

Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the device of Fig. 9 after removing the lock for production.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram in longitudinal section of an alternate embodiment of the devices of Figs. 8A, 9 where the inflow through the screens is blocked using a mechanical inflow control device.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram in longitudinal section of the device of Fig. 11 after activation of the mechanical inlet flow control device for production.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a device for depositing particles between an outer surface of a screen and a pit in a formation using a bottom-up grout deployment technique with chemical packers.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a device for depositing particles between an outer surface of a screen and a pit in a formation using a bottom-up grout deployment technique with a diversion port for chemical packers.

Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a device for depositing particles between an outer surface of a screen and a pit in a formation using a bottom-up grout deployment technique where the screens are run during drilling .

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Fig. 16 is an illustration of a carrier fluid combined with a first, second, and third

......,,, fosxteein © amount of particles in a grout. _{ds w}

Fig. 17 is an illustration of a carrier fluid combined with a first, second, and third amount of particles in a slurry.

Fig. 18 is a schematic process diagram of operations for low damage gravel packaging.

Fig. 19A is a schematic process diagram of a low damage gravel packing technique using a first sieve procedure.

Fig. 19B is a schematic flow diagram of a low damage gravel packing technique using a grout first procedure.

Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of a fit mode where a sieve bridging separating fluid is placed on top of the multimodal grout in the pit.

Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram of a first screen embodiment where a screen bridging separating fluid is circulated within the screen ring prior to the multimodal slurry.

Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram of the first screen embodiment of Fig. 21 where the multimodal slurry is placed in the ring after the separating fluid leak control additives plug or bridge the screen elements to limit grout leaks.

Fig. 23 is a graph of a syringe leak for a tetramodal slurry as a function of the second largest particle size at different concentrations of the second largest particle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention as discussed in Example 13.

Fig. 24 is a graph of a syringe leak for a tetramodal slurry as a function of the third largest particle size, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention as discussed in Example 13.

Fig. 25 illustrates a tetramodal particle packaging model based on Descartes' circle theorem involving mutually tangent circles, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention as discussed in Example 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used in the description and in the claims, fence is inclusive of en.

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As used herein, the terms bimodal and multimodal with respect to particle size or other variable distribution have their standard statistical meanings. Statistically, a bimodal distribution is a continuous probability distribution with two modes aiferent ^^

A mix is ​​considered to be multimodal if it has two or more modes. These modes appear as distinct peaks (local maxima) in the probability density function. A bimodal distribution can arise as a mixture of two different unimodal distributions, that is, distributions that have only one mode. For example, a bimodally distributed particle size can be defined as PSD₂ with probability a or PSD₂ with probability (1 - a), where PSDi and PSD₂ they are different unimodal particle sizes and 0 &lt;α &lt;1 is a mixing coefficient. A mixture of two unimodal distributions with differing means is not necessarily bimodal; however, a mixture of two normal distributions with similar variability is considered to be bimodal if their respective means differ by more than the sum of their respective standard deviations.

As used herein, the term "bridge" refers to the occlusion of passages, eg, openings in a screen element, to inhibit fluid flow. Thus, the term would not apply to the formation of a filter cake on a screen surface that does not significantly inhibit fluid flow through the screen. Conversely, extracting a bridge and similar terms refer to extracting occlusions to restore fluid flow, and further include modifying the bridge structure to a sufficient degree to restore fluid flow, for example, extracting a bridge may involve forming holes through the filter cake and / or extracting smaller particles from a filter cake in a screen element to establish permeability, without physically removing the matrix from the filter cake.

The term aspect ratio as applied herein to particles is understood as the ratio of the longest dimension of the particle to the shortest dimension. A sphere or a cube has an aspect ratio of 1, for example. An aspect ratio greater than one means that the particle is elongated in one direction. Sometimes the aspect ratio is given as less than one, which means that the longest dimension is used in the denominator instead of the numerator, but it is understood in the art that it is equivalent to its reciprocal where the aspect ratio is greater than one, for example, aspect ratios of 0.5 and 2.0 are equivalent, as are 0.25 and 4.0.

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Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system 100 for packaging E'ti®

EJü ocí tííl'O low damage gravel. In certain embodiments, system 100 includes a well 102 drilled ^ t | g \ ^^, an overload 104, and a formation of interest 106. The formation of interest 106 may include a hydrocarbon-producing formation, a formation that produces water, a target formation for fluid injection, or other formation of interest known in the art. In certain embodiments, well 102 has a wellhead 108, and casing pipe 110 covering at least a portion of the hole. In the illustration of Fig. 1, the hole through formation of interest 106 is an open hole termination in a vertical well. Other types of terminations are contemplated in the present application, including but not limited to: a lined termination, multi-zone terminations, and / or a horizontal well or well segment. The liner pipe 110 may include a cement layer (not shown) between the liner pipe 110 and the formation (s) (104,106). Various other features of system 100 that are known in the art are not shown or described herein to avoid obscuring aspects of the present application.

System 100 further includes, in certain embodiments, a screen 112 disposed in the hole. Screen 112 may include grooves or holes sized to prevent particle flow from formation of interest 106 into well 102 or to the surface during treatment return flow or well 102 production. In certain embodiments, system 100 includes a pack of gravel 114 deposited between screen 112 and formation of interest 106. The gravel from the gravel pack 114 may be deposited as a portion of a slurry 116 comprising particles 118,120 and a carrier fluid 122 as described in more detail below.

In certain embodiments, slurry 116 is pumped through well 102 to deposit the first quantity of particles 118 and the second quantity of particles 120 between screen 112 and formation of interest 106. Slurry 116 can be pumped out of screen 112 into formation of interest 106 until screen blockage occurs (i.e. particles 118,120 accumulate to the point where pressure drop through gravel pack 114 prevents further pumping ), the slurry 116 can be circulated through the well 102 so that the slurry 116 passes from outside the screen 112 into the screen 112, thereby depositing the particles 118, 120 between the screen 112 and the formation of interest 106 and circulating the carrier fluid 122 towards the surface. In certain embodiments, grout 116 can be placed in hole 102 and screen 112 lowered into grout 116 already positioned so that particles ''

Μ

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<img file="MX336480B_D0020.tif" />

118,120 in grout 116 are thus deposited between sieve 112 and the formation of ¡ntBfiÉSÚSCíiíW 'd © la Prepfedsd bi &amp; WsleiS

In certain embodiments, system 100 includes various devices to control mixing and pumping of slurry 116. In an illustrative embodiment, system 100 includes at least one fluid tank 124 which contains carrier fluid 122 and / or a fluid base used in the creation of carrier fluid 122. The illustrative embodiment further includes a gravel carrier 126 which, in one embodiment, provides the first amount of particles 118 to a mixing device 128. Mixing device 128 prepares the final slurry 116, for example by mixing the gravel fluid 122 and adding the first amount of particles 118 from the gravel carrier 126, and further adding any additive, the second amount of particles 120 and / or the third or any other amount of particles. In certain embodiments, more than a quantity of particles can be mixed and added to the gravel carrier 126 or other device. Mixing device 128 further provides slurry 116 to a pumping device 130 that provides pressurized slurry 116 to wellhead 108. Other equipment configurations are understood in the art and are contemplated herein. For example, and not limited to, system 100 may include a coiled tubing unit (not shown) in place of one or more pieces of equipment and / or tubing 132 connected to screen 112.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a device for depositing particles 118, 120 between an outer surface of a screen 112 and a surface of a formation of interest 106. Slurry 116 is pumped through a crossover tool. 202 from pipe 132 to screen ring 203. The carrier fluid 122 from the slurry 116 is recirculated through the screen 112, depositing the particles and returning to the surface through the crossover tool 202 through a pipe-casing ring 206. When the gravel pack has been placed 114, the crossover tool 202 is closed, replaced with a production packer, or undergoes other operations as is known in the art. The placement of the gravel pack 114 as shown in Fig. 2 it is only illustrative.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a device for depositing particles 118, 120 between an outer surface of a screen 112 and a surface of a formation of interest 106 in a first position. The screen 112 illustrated in FIG. 3A has grooves 302 that can be selectively opened or closed or in any other way activated and / or deactivated from the surface in some way. For example slots 302 can be

<img file="MX336480B_D0021.tif" />

attachable via electronic signals, hydraulic signals, operated through a cabl ^ fi ^ itf © operated through a force communicated through pipe 132 (for example one was ^ i '· -'³'^ ® of the descending PrapiQdac, an ascending force, and / or a rotational force), and / or through any operation known in the art. In the first position as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the grooves 302 are open allowing slurry 116 to flow into ring 203 of screen 112 and thereby deposit particles 118, 120. As shown in FIG. 3A, carrier fluid 122 from slurry 116 flows into formation of interest 106, typically at an injection pressure below fracture pressure, until gravel pack 114 is fully placed.

The arrangement illustrated in Fig. 3A is illustrative only. With certain tools and arrangements carrier fluid 122 can be returned directly to the surface rather than injected into formation of interest 106. For example, grout 116 can be pumped down into casing pipe-pipe ring 206, recirculated through from the grooves to pipe 132 and return to the surface. Alternatively, grout 116 may be pumped down into pipe 132, forced out of the grooves and recirculated through the screen, crossing over to the other side within casing pipe-pipe ring 206 and returning to the surface. Each of these arrangements is well known in the art and is not shown in Fig. 3A to avoid obscuring aspects of the present application.

Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a device for depositing particles 118, 120 between an outer surface of a screen 112 and an Interest formation 106 in a second position. In the second position as illustrated in Fig. 3B, the grooves 302 are closed, preventing the flow of carrier fluid 122 or slurry 116 through the grooves. In the illustrated mode in Fig. 3B, formation fluid from formation of interest 106 flows through gravel pack 114 and screen 112, preventing sand or unconsolidated particles from formation of interest 106 from flowing into hole or pipe 132. In the embodiment of Fig. 3B, any particles 118, 120 that may have settled within screen 112 can be cleaned by recirculation (eg, with a coiled tubing unit) and / or entrainment within the fluid produced from the formation of Interest 106.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a device for depositing particles 118, 120 between an outer surface of a screen 112 and a formation of interest 106 in a first position. In the embodiment of Fig. 4A, a specified amount of grout 116

<img file="MX336480B_D0022.tif" />

is placed in the hole. The specified amount of slurry 116 depends on the particle load of the slurry, the diameter of the hole, the length of the Interval to be covered, the volume left by sieve 112 (which is lowered into slurry 116), and similar parameters known in the technique. In certain embodiments, the slurry 116 placed at the bottom of the pit has a very high particle load, for example in excess of 3.6 kg of particles 118, 120 per liter of carrier fluid 122. Screen 112 in the first position includes screen 112 in position to get down into grout 116 but not yet standing in grout 116.

Fig. 4B is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a device for depositing particles 118, 120 between an outer surface of a screen 112 and an Interest formation 106 in a second position. Screen 112 in the second position includes screen 112 lowered into grout 116. In certain embodiments, screen 112 may include centralizers such that screen 112 is approximately centered in the hole. However, where the slurry 116 is dense from a heavy particle load, the screen 112 tends to self-center and external centralizers may not be required.

Fig. 4C is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a device for depositing particles 118, 120 between an outer surface of a screen 112 and an Interest formation in a third position. In the third position, screen 112 is held in slurry 116, and a production kit (eg, a production packer 402) is placed in the hole to prepare the system for production. In certain embodiments, the well is closed for a specified period of time to allow particles 118, 120 to settle in slurry 116, to allow degradable particles to decompose completely or partially, to allow carrier fluid breakers 122 they act on the carrier fluid 122, and / or to allow the adherent particles to cure (eg, with resin coated particles).

In certain modalities, grout placement includes a bottom-up pumping method, which enables gravel packing and / or fracture immediately after drilling, for gravel packing during cementing, for inclusion of chemical packers, and / or for the use of large diameter sieves. Fig. 5 it is an illustration of an embodiment of a device 310 comprising a generally cylindrical screen 312 placed in a hole 314 that forms a ring 316 between the screen and the hole. In this embodiment, hole 314 has a casing 318 cemented above a

<img file="MX336480B_D0023.tif" />

<img file="MX336480B_D0024.tif" />

open hole and screen 312 is arranged in the open hole below the casing pipe 318 at the bottom end of a pipe string 320, which may be (working ds faSrBfi, a production pipe or the like. The mode is equally applicable to hole:

lined, which are generally drilled for communication with the surrounding formation 322, as well as with non-horizontal wells. A high solids grout 324 comprising at least a first and second particles can be passed through a central flow passage 326 through screen 312 to discharge close to what is referred to herein as the distal or bottom 328 of screen 312, within ring 316 to deposit on an outer surface of the screen. Once deposited in ring 316, the compacted grout solids can be converted into a gravel pack as described herein.

In one embodiment, two-activation gravel packaging is accomplished using a work string containing a packer assembly and a wash pipe to place the grout / gravel and then remove the work string and wash pipe to secure the pipe. of production. Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a bottom up laying apparatus similar to Fig. 5, wherein the pipe string 320 comprises a work string including a drill pipe 330, a service tool 332 including a packer 334, strainer 312, a flush pipe 336 and an end cap 338, which allows flushing tubing 336 to connect to the bottom of the assembly. Once in place as shown in Fig. 6A, grout 324 is pumped down into drill pipe 330, through flush pipe 336, out of the bottom of assembly 332, and up into ring 316 between hole 314 open hole and screen 312. After pumping the appropriate amount of grout, packer 334 is established (see Fig. 6B), and drill pipe 330, service tool assembly 332, and flush pipe 336 are removed from the hole. Slurry 324 is converted to a gravel packet by the methods described herein, for example, by self-activated degradation, or through a suitable activating fluid such as an acid, base, solvent, or other chemical.

The modality shown in Figs. 6A and 6B allows a gravel pack to be placed allowing a closer gap between the outside diameter of screen 312 and hole 314. For example, the gravel pack may have a thickness (radial thickness in the ring = hole radius - radius sieve size) as small as 10, 5, or even 3 times the median size of gravel or other coarse fraction. In another embodiment, the thickness is less than 50 mm (2 inches) or less than 25 mm (1

<img file="MX336480B_D0025.tif" />

inch). In a further embodiment, the thickness of the gravel pack is approximately 6 years and $ 40 approximately the median size of the gravel or another coarse fraction of l 5 grout. In a specific embodiment, the thickness of the gravel pack is 6 to 25 mm. itotiUStflYes close separation means that a larger 312 sieve can be used, and therefore a larger inside diameter of the base pipe, improving well production. For example, the ID of the base pipe may be 50 to 90 mm larger than a conventional gravel pack that is more than 50.8 mm (2 inches) thick.

Furthermore, the gravel pack can be pumped into formations 322 where the pore pressure is low, where other gravel packing methods can lead to inadvertent fracture of the formation. For example, some conventional gravel packaging methods may require a relatively high injection rate, for example 1600 L / min (10 BPM), to keep the gravel in suspension and prevent premature sedimentation or bridge formation. In embodiments of the present invention where the slurry is stable and the solids do not settle easily, the speed can be selected for optimal gravel placement, for example any non-zero injection speed less than 1600 L / min, 800 L / min , 600 L / min, 500 L / min, 400 L / min, 300 L / min, 250 L / min, 200 L / min, 150 L / min, 100 L / min, 50 L / min (less than 10, 5, 3.8, 3.1, 2.5,1.9,1.6,1.3, 0.94,0.63 bbl / min) or the like.

Fig. 7 is an illustration of an embodiment of a bottom up placement apparatus similar to Figs. 6A and 6B where packer 334 has been established prior to pumping slurry 324 and pressure builds up in the ring region 316 during pumping of the slurry to induce the creation of fracture 340 in adjacent formation 322. Grout 324 in one embodiment is pumped into fracture 340 and subsequently converted into a gravel holding agent package as described herein.

In one embodiment, grouting / gravel packing is accomplished as part of the final production run. This modality of the method can eliminate the need for a dedicated gravel pack run. Once the grout is converted to a gravel pack in this mode, production can usually begin immediately. The grout is placed using a bottom-up placement apparatus similar to Fig. 5, where the sieves are run in the hole using a production assembly that includes the complete production line with the appropriate production fittings, and where the sieve 312 is blocked by a device or material 342 so that the inflow and the

<img file="MX336480B_D0026.tif" />

<img file="MX336480B_D0027.tif" />

Strainer assembly is practically a tubular flow conduit. In an embodiment shown in ¢ / 1/7/7: 1/71 /, 35ΛΛ Fig. 8A, screen 312 is an assembly of a 344 perforated base pipe, bars of p ^ ggl

346, the screen element 348, and the outer liner 342. The liner 342 may be, for example, a thin waterproof sheet of a layer of a degradable material such as a polylactide (PLA), polyglycolide (PGA), or other material that can temporarily plug the screen openings for gravel placement, but can then degrade or dissolve for production. As another example, the degradable material may alternatively and / or additionally be placed as plugs or bridges in the respective screen openings and / or between the screen element 348 and the base pipe 344, for example, by spooning or spraying or any other shape by applying a removable film or solid forming material to the assembled screen

312 (see discussion of Figs. 20-22 below for plugging or bridging at openings in the downhole screen), or before final assembly, screen element 348 and / or base pipe

344.

Once the assembly is in place, the slurry is pumped down into the pipeline, through the flow passage in screen 312, which can be located centrally within the screen element or peripherally adjacent to the screen element; outside the bottom of the assembly, which may comprise an opening through the end 328, and up into the area of ​​the ring 316 between the open hole 320 and the screen 312, as shown schematically in Fig. 5.

After the appropriate amount of grout 324 is pumped, the packer is established, the grout is converted to a gravel pack, and further liner 342 is removed to open screen 312, as seen in Fig. 8B. The grout is converted to a gravel packet by the methods described herein, either by self-activated degradation, or through a suitable signal or activation fluid such as an acid, a base, a solvent, or other chemical. Furthermore, any blockage of the sieves 312, for example a waterproof surface layer or blockage in the ports from one side to the other, for example - is removed.

Fig. 9 is an illustration of one embodiment of a sieve assembly of a bottom-up placement apparatus using a locked sieve similar to Figs. 8A and 8B, wherein screen 312 contains a degradable or soluble plug 350 within perforations 352 of base pipe 344 to prevent flow through screen 312 during grout placement.

<img file="MX336480B_D0028.tif" />

Fig. 10 shows fluid flow through screen elements 348, between axial profile bars 346 and through perforations 352 after extraction, for example. degradation of plugs 350. IntíllSÍfísS

Fig. 11 is an illustration of another embodiment of a sieve assembly of a bottom-up placement apparatus using a locked sieve similar to Figs. 8A-10, wherein screen 312 is operatively associated with a mechanical inlet flow control (ICD) device 354 to control flow through openings in screen 312. ICD 354 is used with 344A waterproof base pipe and can be activated by controller 356 by a suitable remote method such as a smooth line or cable, or controller 356 can be a timer to allow flow at a prescribed time after the assembly runs in the hole.

Fig. 12 shows fluid flow through sieve elements 348 and activation of ICD 354 after flow.

In one embodiment, grouting / gravel packing is accomplished using chemical packers with the gravel pack. As best seen in the embodiment shown in the schematic diagram of Fig. 13, screen 312 is run in the hole using apparatus similar to that shown in Figs. 5 -12, except that mechanical packer 334 is not necessarily required. Instead, a chemical compound stopper 360 runs in front of a slurry volume 362, so that at an appropriate time chemical stopper 360 seals between line 320 and ring 316, concentrating the production flow through the sieve 312. The stopper of a chemical compound 360 may include in some embodiments, phenolic resins, urethane compounds or the like, which are known in the industry for use in chemical packers and bridge plugs. In one embodiment, the work string 320 comprises the production line. If desired, in one embodiment, plugs of an additional chemical separator 364 may be alternated with slurry volumes 362 to obtain intermittent separation of the resin plugs within the gravel pack and thereby create zonal isolation.

Fig. 14 is an illustration of another embodiment of a sieve assembly of a bottom up placement apparatus using chemical resin plugs 360 and / or 364 similar to Fig. 13, except that the assembly includes one or more diversion ports 366 above screen 312, which can be activated by traditional mechanical means, for example, a ball, a sleeve, a cable, or the like. 360 chemical resin plug is not pumped

<img file="MX336480B_D0029.tif" />

necessarily ahead of the slurry volume 362, but can alternatively or SñSSíiLS'í © additionally be pumped through diversion port 366. This facilitates colficadóe '.

a © ia rí © ¡i2¡¡ssj2i © requires plug 360 in a prescribed position above screen 312. {

In one embodiment, grouting / gravel packing is accomplished as part of the drilling process. This embodiment of the method can eliminate the need for a dedicated run on the gravel pack, and in a further embodiment, screen 312 is positioned in the same manner as a slotted liner would be. Fig. 15 is an illustration of an embodiment of a bottom up laying apparatus similar to Fig. 5, wherein the sieves are run in the hole using a drill assembly where the work string 320 comprises a drill pipe complete with the appropriate drill accessories, such as, for example, a liner packer 334 as discussed in relation to Figs. 6A through 7, a screen 312, and a bit assembly 368, which may further include measurement capability during drilling. Sieves 312 in alternate modalities may or may not have restricted inlet flow as discussed in connection with Figs. 8A to 12, for example, a layer outside the sieves, plugs within the base pipe, mechanical and / or timed inlet flow control devices.

The final length of hole 314 is drilled with sieves 312, as shown in Fig. 15, and once at depth, bit 368 is abandoned at the bottom of the well. The grout is then pumped through bit 368, and up into ring 316. If desired, any capping material can follow the grout to seal the bottom of hole 314 below bit 368. The liner packer 334 is then established, the grout is converted to a gravel pack as described herein, the production line is put in place, and production begins. In an alternative embodiment, the liner packer 334 can be first established to initiate hydraulic fracturing as discussed in connection with FIG. 7 above, and the grout is transformed into a grout / holding agent package .

As additional alternatives, chemical packers and separators can be used in addition to or alternatively to liner packers 334 as discussed in connection with Figs. 13 and 14. Additionally to eliminate the need for a dedicated run on the gravel packs, as well as to position the sieves in the same way as a grooved liner would, the large ID of the sieves can allow for higher inlet flow and therefore higher throughput. through the pipe.

<img file="MX336480B_D0030.tif" />

FIG. 16 is an illustration of one embodiment of a combined carrier fluid 122 cjm | ^ p ^ cQpdad first 118, second 120, and third 502 amounts of particles in a slurry 116. Lasfrte '.. T? Rf particles 118,120 , 502 in one embodiment comprise three size regimes, where each size regimen is three to fifteen times greater than the next smaller size regimen. The inclusion of particles of variable size 118, 120, 502, with a high particle load, creates a slurry 116 with greatly reduced sedimentation times relative to a slurry 116 with a uniform particle size.

Furthermore, the amount of carrier fluid 122 per unit volume of slurry 116 can be dramatically reduced. For example, spherical particles with a uniform packing arrangement create a packing volume fraction (PVF) of approximately 0.74, that is, where approximately 74% of the slurry volume is particulate material. Monodisperse spherical particles with a randomized compact packaging arrangement create a PVF of approximately 0.64. In contrast, an array with three particle sizes having average diameters, in one example, 840 microns, 150 microns, and 15 microns, respectively, creates a mixture of particles that has a PVF of approximately 0.87. The base densities of the particles 118,120, 502 can be selected to create a final grout density at a selected value. An increase in the PVF reduces the amount of carrier fluid 122 in the final slurry 116. For example, an increase from 0.64 (random packing) to just 0.80 reduces the amount of carrier fluid 122 in one liter of slurry by almost 50% (ie (36-20) / 36). The reduced amount of carrier fluid 122 reduces the amount of fluid placed in formation of interest 106 and the amount of viscosifier (if any) in gravel pack 114, all of which contribute to a reduction in damage to permeability to formation of interest 106 and a reduction in damage to permeability to the gravel pack 114.

In certain embodiments, slurry 116 includes at least a first number of particles 118 having a first average size distribution and a second number of particles 120 having a second average size distribution. In certain embodiments, the first number of particles 118 are non-deformable particles. The average size distribution is determined according to any method known in the art, unless they include a sieve size mesh number (for example, 16/30 mesh grain, 20/40 mesh grain or mesh grain 40/70), a median particle size, and a median particle size. The average size distributions of the first quantity of particles 118 and the second quantity

<img file="MX336480B_D0031.tif" />

Particles 120 are selected in a modality such that the first distribution of average Wins © size is between three and fifteen times larger than the second average distribution. The average size distributions of the first quantity of particles 118 and the second quantity of particles 120 are further selected to avoid migration of fines from the formation through gravel pack 114 into well 102. In certain embodiments, a larger size distribution (for example, the first size distribution to the second size distribution, or the second size distribution to a third size distribution) is six to ten times as large. The six to ten fold distributions in this modality allow for maximum values ​​of compacted volume fraction (PVF) while providing a package of gravel that does not shrink, or loses package efficiency, if the smallest particle sizes are removed. .

In certain embodiments, grout 116 includes a third number of particles having a third average size distribution, where the second average size distribution is larger than the third size distribution, for example, three to fifteen times larger than the third size distribution. For example, the first average size distribution may be a median size of approximately 840 microns, the second average size distribution may be a median size of approximately 150 microns, and the third average size distribution may be a median size of approximately 15 microns. microns.

In certain embodiments, grout 116 includes a fourth and / or a fifth number of particles. The fourth number of particles in an embodiment includes a fourth average size distribution that is smaller than the third average size distribution, for example, three to fifteen times smaller than the third average size distribution. The fifth number of particles in an embodiment includes a fifth average size distribution that is smaller than the fourth average size distribution, for example, three to fifteen times smaller than the fourth average size distribution.

In a further embodiment, the solids mixture comprises four or more PSD modes to bridge the screen, where a first number of particles have a first

PSD, a second quantity of particles have a second PSD, a third quantity of particles have a third PSD, and a fourth quantity of particles have a fourth PSD, where the first average size distribution is at least three times larger than the

<img file="MX336480B_D0032.tif" />

Institute second average size distribution, where the second average size distribution ^ OXlCOno or Propl dad is larger than the third average size distribution, preferably at least ^trefndUStridi times larger than the third average size distribution, and where the third average size distribution is larger than the fourth average size distribution, preferably three to fifteen times larger than the fourth average size distribution. In one embodiment, the first average size distribution is 40 mesh (422 microns) or larger, and in another it comprises standard 20/40 mesh gravel (422 - 853 microns). In one example, the first PSD is approximately 280 microns, the second PSD is approximately 30 microns, and the third PSD is approximately 3 microns. In one embodiment, a ratio of the total solids volume of the first particles to the total solids volume of the second particles is from about 1: 1 to about 15: 1, preferably from about 2: 1 to about 10: 1 or about 4: 1 to about 8: 1; and a ratio of the total volume of solids of the second particles to the total volume of solids of the third particles is from about 1:10 to about 2: 1, preferably from about 1: 4 to about 1: 1.

In another embodiment, a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids combine to form a self-dispersing slurry adapted to bridge a screen to inhibit fluid ingress while the screen and slurry are arranged in a pit, in any order. In one embodiment, the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) of the solids mixture exceeds 0.75, or preferably exceeds 0.8. In one embodiment, the solids mixture comprises three or more PSD modes to bridge the screen, wherein a first amount of particles has a first PSD, a second amount of particles has a second PSD, and a third amount of Particles have a third PSD, where the first PSD is two to ten times larger than the second PSD, and where the second PSD is three to ten times larger than the third PSD. In one embodiment, the first amount of particles is smaller than about 40 mesh (422 microns), and in another embodiment the first amount of particles comprises 40/80 mesh gravel (178 - 422 microns). In one example, the first PSD is approximately 280 microns, the second PSD is approximately 30 microns, and the third PSD is approximately 3 microns. In one embodiment, a ratio of the total solids volume of the first particles to the total solids volume of

I

ΙΜ

Ρ

<img file="MX336480B_D0033.tif" />

iRSÍfói ω

the second particles are from about 1: 1 to about 15: 1, preferably from about 2: 1 to about 10: 1 or from about 4: 1 to about | q 8: 1; and a ratio of the total solids volume of the second particles to the total solids volume of the third particles is from about 1:10 to about 2: 1, preferably from about 1: 4 to about 1: 1.

The median size used herein can be any value known in the art, including for example and not limited to an approximately spherical particle diameter. In certain embodiments, the median size can be a characteristic dimension, which can be a dimension considered more descriptive of particles to specify a range of size distribution. In certain embodiments, the first number of particles has a characteristic dimension, for example and not limited to a median particle diameter, between about 500 microns and 1800 microns. In certain embodiments, the first number of particles includes a median particle volume of between about 2 X 10 '¹¹ m³ and 6 X 10 * ¹⁰ m³. It will be known to those of skill in the art that other volume ranges are functional in accordance with the principles described herein, and all relevant particle size values ​​for gravel packaging are contemplated herein.

In certain embodiments, each median size is a characteristic dimension, where the ratio of characteristic dimensions between particle sizes (for example, the first number of particles compared to the second number of particles) is proportional to the cube root of a ratio of volumes of particle averages between particle sizes. For example, the first quantity of particles can have a characteristic dimension of 1.5 X 10 *³ m and an average particle volume of 5.63 X10¹⁰ m³. The second number of particles in the example has an average particle volume between approximately 1.7 X 10¹³ m³ to 2.1 X 10 '¹¹ m³, with a characteristic dimension between 1X 10 *⁴ my 5 X 10 *⁴ m that includes the interval of one third to one fifteenth of the characteristic dimension of the first quantity of particles.

The characteristic dimension is used herein to indicate more clearly that the selection of particle size in the first and second (and / or third, fourth, and fifth) amounts of particles is independent of the shape of the particles. Therefore, in various embodiments, the particle sizes can vary at each particle size step by three to fifteen times in any average linear measure, and / or by 3³ times to 15³ times (i.e. 27 to 3375 times). The relative sizing of particles in modalities can meet either the linear criterion

<img file="MX336480B_D0034.tif" />

3 to 15 times, or the volumetric criterion of 3³ times to 15³ times, or both. In certain modalities, use a shorter interval of 5 to 10 times (characteristic dimension or measure of the nf ° '',.,

Industrial provides a larger sedimentation time improvement and therefore allows for higher particle loads and / or lower viscosities of the carrier fluid 122.

Carrier fluid 122 may in various embodiments be a brine, a fluid that includes a hydratable gel (eg, a guar, another polysaccharide, hydroxyethyl cellulose HEC, or other gelling agent), an oil or an oil-based gel, a viscoelastic surfactant , a fluid with a viscosifier, a foam or energized fluid (for example a nitrogen or CO based foam₂), an emulsion (including water or oil in the external phase), or other fluid known in the art.

In certain embodiments, mixing of particles 118,120 with size ratios as described herein allows high particle loads with low or zero viscosifying load. In certain embodiments, the carrier fluid 122 includes a non-viscosifying brine, and the sum of the mass of the particles (i.e., the first amount, the second amount, and / or any third or other amounts combined) is at least about 2.4 kg per liter of carrier fluid 122 (20 pounds per gallon). In certain embodiments, the carrier fluid includes a hydratable gelling agent present in an amount of less than about 2.4 g of gel per liter of carrier fluid (20 Ib of gel per 1000 gallons), for example less than 2.15 g / L (18 Ib of gel per 1000 gallons of carrier fluid), and the sum of the mass of the particles exceeds approximately 2.75 kg per liter (23 pounds per gallon) of carrier fluid 122. In certain embodiments, the carrier fluid 122 includes a viscosifier present in an amount of less than 20 Ib per thousand gallons of carrier fluid 122, and the sum of the mass of the particles exceeds approximately 2.75 kg per liter (23 pounds per gallon) of carrier fluid 122. In certain embodiments, carrier fluid 122 includes a viscosifier present in an amount of less than 2.4 g of gel per liter (20 Ib of gel per 1000 gallons) of carrier fluid 122, and the sum of the mass of the particles exceeds approximately 3.6 kg per liter (30 pounds per gallon) of carrier fluid 122.

In one embodiment, the solids load on the slurry can be expressed as a volumetric ratio of solids to carrier fluid. In one embodiment, a minimum volume of liquid (a maximum volumetric load of solids) corresponds to the volumetric solids: carrier fluid ratio in the slurry corresponding to the PVF for the mixture of solids, i.e. PVF: (1-PVF), or

<img file="MX336480B_D0035.tif" />

a slight excess of liquid to impart theological characteristics to the grout, while a very large excess of carrier liquid could induce instability of the grout (sedimentation · * ^ of the Property of solids or syneresis). In one embodiment, the solids: carrier fluid volumetric ratio is IndUSfrlQ] approximately 40:60 to PVF: (1-PVF), and in another modality from 45:55 to 85:15. In other modalities, the volume fraction of the carrier fluid is stoichiometric (1-PVF) or above stoichiometric up to 3, 2.5, 2.1.5, 1.25,1.2,1.1 or 1.05 times stoichiometric, or said otherwise, the volumetric solids fraction is (3PVF-2), (2.5PVF-1.5), (2PVF-1), (1.5PVF-0.5), (1.25PVF-0.25), (1.2PVF-0.2), (1.1PVF-0.1) or (1.05PVF-0.05) up to PVF.

The limits for the minimum viscosifying load and the maximum particle load depend on factors specific to each system 100 that will commonly be understood or controlled by those skilled in the art. For example, the sedimentation time of the particles 118, 120 in the carrier fluid 122, the viscosity of the carrier fluid 122, the desired pumping speed of the slurry 116, the length of the sieve interval 112 where the gravel pack 114 to be laid, the fracture resistance of Interest formation 106, and other factors known to those skilled in the art all contribute to the required viscosifying load in a particular application. Slurries 116 have been developed using only brine as a carrier fluid 122 with layered particle sizes 118, 120, including a third and / or additional particle sizes, with particles exceeding 2.4 kg per liter (20 Ib per gallon ) of carrier fluid 122, and in certain applications the particles may exceed 3.6 kg per liter (30 Ib per gallon) of carrier fluid 122.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the smallest particle sizes (ie, the second, third, fourth, and / or fifth number of particles) includes a degradable material. The inclusion of degradable material allows the particles to participate in improving the particle suspension in the slurry 116, while allowing the particles to be removed from the gravel pack 114 after placement, and / or allows the particles to release beneficial chemicals into of the 114 pack of gravel after laying. For example, degradation of the particles can release chemicals that dissolve the bridging agents, break the crosslinked or polymer-based carrier fluid 122, and / or attack a formed filter cake.

Examples of degradable materials include, but are not limited to, wax, oil soluble resin, hydrocarbon soluble materials, lactide, glycolide, aliphatic polyester, poly (lactide),

<img file="MX336480B_D0036.tif" />

Institute poly (glycolide), poly (e-caprolactone), poly (orthoester), poly (hydroxybutyrate), polycarbonate'aliphatic ^, χ | £ αηθ poly (phosphazene), poll (anhydride), poly (saccharide), dextran, cellulose chitin chitosan

Industry!

poly (amino acid), poly (ethylene oxide), and copolymers including poly (lactic acids) and / or poly (glycolic acids), and the like. In certain embodiments, the degradable materials may include a copolymer that includes a first portion that is a hydroxyl group, a carboxylic acid group, and / or a hydrocarboxylic acid group, and a second portion that is a glycolic acid and / or a lactic acid. .

In certain additional embodiments, at least one of the smallest particle sizes includes a reactive solid that reacts with a hydrolysis product of a degradable material.

For example, the second quantity of particles 120 can be a degradable material and the third quantity of particles can be a material that reacts with the hydrolysis product of the second quantity of particles 120, improving the degradation rate of the second quantity of particles 120. In certain embodiments, the reactive solid includes ground quartz, oil soluble resin, degradable rock salt, clay, and / or zeolite or the like. In certain embodiments, the reactive solid includes magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium calcium carbonate, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, aluminum metaphosphate, potassium zinc polyphosphate glass, and / or polyphosphate glass. magnesium calcium sodium or the like. Degradable materials and reactive solids that improve degradation can be stored in the same particle, so that reactions do not occur at the surface but begin within fluids under downhole conditions.

In certain embodiments, the slurry comprises a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes, wherein a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume average median size at least three times larger than the volume average median size of a second PSD mode such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) of the mixture solids exceeds 0.75 or preferably exceeds 0.8, and wherein the solids mixture, preferably the second PSD mode, comprises a degradable material and includes a reactive solid.

In one embodiment, the first PSD mode comprises gravel and the second PSD mode comprises alumina trihydrate particles. Alumina trihydrate particles become soluble at high or low pH, and therefore can degrade by changing a pH in the package

<img file="MX336480B_D0037.tif" />

to solubilize the alumina trihydrate particles. In another embodiment, the degradable material ti s &amp; m can be soluble in either basic or acidic fluids, and can degrade by increasing fcfóXU by lowering the pH, respectively, to dissolve the particles, for example, by confa⁰^®^?¹^ inaunnci solids package with a basic aqueous solution or an acidic aqueous solution. For example, the degradable material can be selected from amphoteric oxides, esters, acid coats, combinations thereof, and the like. Acidic precursors that may be mentioned as suitable particles include hydrolyzable esters, acidic anhydrides, acidic sulfonates, acid halides, combinations of these, and the like. As another example, the solids mixture may include a base or a base precursor, which may in some embodiments be sparingly soluble or encapsulated.

Representative classes of bases include ammonium and alkali metal hydroxides, organic amines, urea, substituted urea, combinations of these, and the like. Specific representative examples of acid soluble particles include oxides and hydroxides of aluminum, zinc, tin, lead, boron, silicon, and iron; carbonates, sulfates, oxides and hydroxides of calcium, magnesium and barium; combinations of these and the like.

In one embodiment, the second degradable PSD mode can be or include an encapsulated solid soluble in water or in oil, and can be degraded by decapsulating the soluble solid and contacting the package of solids with an aqueous or hydrocarbon fluid, for example, with the receptacle fluids. In another embodiment, the degradable particles can be or include a water soluble solid and the carrier fluid can be a saturated aqueous solution of the water soluble solid, whereby degradation can be accomplished by contacting the package with a subsaturated aqueous medium. For example, the soluble particles can be or include a salt and the carrier fluid can be brine. In another embodiment, the degradable particles can be or include a water-soluble solid, and the carrier fluid can be an inverted oil emulsion where the water-soluble solid is dispersed in an oil phase, whereby degradation can take place breaking the emulsion to dissolve the water soluble solid in an aqueous medium. The emulsion can be broken, for example, by contacting the package with a demulsifier, a pH control agent, or the like. Representative pH control agents that may be mentioned include monoesters, polyesters, weak acids, weak bases, urea, urea derivatives, combinations thereof, and the like.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the number of particles (eg, first through fifth) includes an encapsulated breaker that reduces the viscosity of the carrier fluid. 122

<img file="MX336480B_D0038.tif" />

after placement of the 114 pack of gravel reducing damage to the permeability of the packet 114. In certain modalities, the carrier fluid 122 includes an emulsion and at least one rt © Ια P í © p^or Particle count includes a chemical adapted to help break the emulsion, certain additional modalities, the chemical adapted to help break the emulsion is encapsulated and / or included in a coated particle, so that the chemical is not released to break the emulsion until after gravel pack 114 is placed. In certain additional embodiments, one or more of the amounts of particles comprises coated particles, so that the particles do not begin to degrade and / or release chemicals, breakers, solvents, and / or surfactants or the like until after the pack of gravel 114. Any coating on a particle can be adapted to break with time, temperature, fluids expected to be found in the hole, chemicals or solid reagents included in other particles and / or in carrier fluid 122 that are released under other mechanisms.

In an illustrative embodiment, carrier fluid 122 comprises an emulsion, the second amount of particles includes an emulsion-breaking surfactant, and the second amount of particles is coated with a material that decomposes in the presence of a chemical in the third amount of particles. In the example, the third amount of particles includes a coating that breaks down in the presence of hydrocarbons (eg, as produced from the formation of Interest 106) that releases the chemical that breaks down the coating into the second amount of particles. Similar configurations of particles, coatings, chemicals, and the like are contemplated in the present application.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the particles includes a damage-removing agent on the face of the formation. The damage removal agent can be a chemical (eg an acid and / or an oxidant) structured to remove damage to the face of the formation, and / or a physical agent (eg particles of a shape, size, or material specific to break an emulsion). The damage removal agent can be any damage removal material known in the art, and can be included in any of the particles. Furthermore, and without limitation, the damage removal agent may be within a particle that enters the fluid in the dissolving pit, and / or that is embedded within a coated particle. The formation face may have permeability damage from the gravel pack fluid filter cake, from a gravel pack fluid loss agent, from a drill mud filter cake , from a fluid loss agent in the

<img file="MX336480B_D0039.tif" />

drilling mud, and / or residual damage from a pill (for example, a high-viscosity pill pumped during drilling to stop fluid loss) bondfcHfPrQpjgjlgfj during drilling or hole completion. The fluid loss agent may be, for example, a latex dispersion of polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polystyrene-butadiene; a water soluble polymer such as hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), guar, polyacrylamide copolymers and their derivatives; fluid loss control agent particles in the 30nm-bpm size range such as γ-alumina, colloidal silica, CaCO₃, Y0₂, bentonite, etc .; particles with different shapes such as glass fibers, flakes, layers; and any combination of these or the like.

In certain embodiments, the number of particles 118, 120 comprises particles having an aspect ratio of more than or equal to one, preferably greater than or equal to 6.10, 25, 50,

100,200 or 300. In certain embodiments, particles with a higher aspect ratio have a greater surface area per unit volume and higher rates of degradation and / or reaction for the particles. In certain embodiments, the number of particles 118, 120 comprises particles having a nanostructure, microstructure, or mesoporous structure that improves the surface area of ​​the particles. The particle structures can be fractal or non-fractal. In certain embodiments, at least one of the particles 118,120 includes an adhesive agent such as a resin coating.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of one embodiment of a carrier fluid 122 combined with a first 118, second 120, and third 502 amounts of particles in a slurry. In the illustration of Fig. 17, the second number of particles 120 includes particles having an aspect ratio greater than one. The aspect ratio can be defined in any desired direction. In the second number of particles 120 illustrated in Fig. 17, the particles are elongated, but may comprise flakes, discs, ellipsoids, fibers, or any other forms of particles known in the art. Any of the first quantity of particles 118, the second quantity of particles 120, the third quantity of particles 502, the fourth quantity of particles (not shown), and / or the fifth quantity of particles (not shown) can comprise a non-form spherical. In certain embodiments, the first number of particles 118 comprises the primary particle composing the gravel, and the first number of particles 118 are approximately spherical to maximize the permeability of the gravel pack 114.

Institute

Mexican

The schematic process diagram and related description that follows P^roP^{or (}ffij | fc ^ |&gt; fop | dgg illustrative modality to perform operations for low damage gravel packaging. The illustrated operations are understood to be illustrative only, and the operations may be combined or divided, and added or removed, as well as reordered in whole or in part, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein.

FIG. 18 is a schematic process diagram of one embodiment of a method 700 for packaging low damage gravel. Procedure 700 includes an operation 702 for combining a carrier fluid, a first quantity of particles, and a second quantity of particles within a slurry, where the first quantity of particles have a first average size distribution and the second quantity of particles have a second average size distribution, where the first average size distribution is at least five times larger than the second average size distribution, and where the first quantity of particles comprises non-deformable particles. In certain additional embodiments, method 700 includes an operation 704 for combining a third quantity of particles with the grout, where the third quantity of particles has a third average size distribution, and where the second average size distribution is at least five times larger than the third distribution of average size.

Method 700 further includes an operation 706 to position a screen in a hole, and an operation 708 to circulate a slurry through the hole so that the first amount of particles and the second amount of particles are deposited on an outer surface of the screen . In different embodiments, steps 706 and 708 can be implemented in any order, for example, by first circulating the slurry into the well and then positioning the screen in the slurry. In certain embodiments, circulating the grout through the hole comprises flowing the grout into a formation of interest, and flowing the grout back from the formation of interest such that the grout particles are deposited on the outer surface of the sieve.

Figs. 19A and 19B are schematic process diagrams of two related modalities of techniques 800A, 800B for low damage gravel packaging. Techniques 800A, 800B include an operation 802 to combine a carrier fluid, a first quantity of particles, a second quantity of particles, and / or a third quantity of particles within a slurry.

The first number of particles have a first average size distribution, the second number of particles have a second average size distribution, and the third

<img file="MX336480B_D0040.tif" />

number of particles have a third distribution of average size. In a modal first distribution of average size is at least three times larger than the second MSXSGQíü © _ * __ distribution of average size, and the first quantity of particles comprises started further

Deformable industries. The second average-size distribution is larger than the third average-size distribution, preferably at least three times as large. Technique 800A (Fig. 19A) in one embodiment further includes an operation 804 to position a screen in a hole, followed by an operation 806 to deposit each of the amounts of particles between an outer surface of the screen and a surface of the hole. The 800B technique (Fig. 19B) in one embodiment alternatively includes an operation 808 to position an amount of grout in the hole, followed by an operation 810 to position the screen in the amount of grout. In certain embodiments, techniques 800A, 800B include an operation 812 to establish a production packer, and an operation 814 to move the residue from a slurry into the screen and / or an operation 816 to close the hole for a specified period, for example, to degrade or dissolve particles in some modes.

In certain embodiments, the simplified operations (relative to the currently available gravel packaging operations) of placing the slurry 116 in the pit and the screen 112 within the slurry allow a very low viscosifying load on the carrier fluid 122 and require high particle load (since in certain embodiments excess carrier fluid 122 is not pumped into formation of interest 106). In certain embodiments, carrier fluid 122 includes viscosifiers at less than 20 g / L (2.4 g / L), and total particle loads above 3.6 kg / L (30 ppg). In certain embodiments, slurry 116 includes particle amounts (for the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth number of particles) and sizes such that the compacted volume fraction (PVF) for slurry 116 is greater than 0.75 PVF, or in some modalities greater than 0.8 PVF

Moving the slurry residues into the screen includes circulating particles out of the screen 112, and / or flowing fluid from the formation from the formation of interest 106 and thereby transporting any slurry residue out of the screen 112. In certain In modalities, at least one of the second and third amounts of particles comprise a degradable material, and technique 800 further includes an operation 816 to close the hole for a specified period of time. In certain modalities, the specified time period can be a

<img file="MX336480B_D0041.tif" />

faith;.

time period selected so that various degradation and deLruptuW®Xl®®fiO reactions

TenganιαΡτορί give time to occur before fluids flow out of the hole. Industrial

In accordance with one embodiment, as mentioned above, the screen is treated with a leak control agent to limit the loss of fluid within the screen from the multimodal grout during placement, which could otherwise result in Premature grouting of the grout due to fluid loss. With reference to Fig. 20, the multimodal slurry 324 is introduced into the bottom of hole 314, and a separator fluid 380 is placed in the well above the slurry 324. Separator fluid 380 contains one or more leak control agents, small particles, or a range of particle sizes suitable for plugging or bridging the openings in the screen elements of screen assembly 312. When screen 312 is lowered into hole 314, it passes essentially through the separating fluid 380 and the leakage control agent seals the openings in screen 312 to limit additional fluid entry so that when screen 312 enters the grout 324 the grout remains fluid and the screen 312 movable in it until the screen can be placed in hole 314 as desired. After screen 312 is properly positioned in hole 314, the leakage control agent is degraded by dissolution or reaction, for example, or is otherwise removed from the screen to restore permeability for production fluids, and the Slurry 324 is converted to a permeable gravel pack as described herein for production.

Separator fluid 380, in addition to the leak control agent, stability agent, dispersant, or the like, may contain various components and additives well known to be present in treatment fluids, including water, brine, oil, emulsion, Inverted emulsion, solvents, foaming or energizing agents, viscosifiers, surfactants, crosslinkers, friction reducers, breakers, accelerators, retarders, antioxidants, pH stabilizers and control agents, etc. In one embodiment, the separator fluid 380 is compatible with the grout and other fluids used in the pit.

In another embodiment, the high solids grout is designed in a manner that limits leakage within the screen by bridging the screen to control dewatering of the grout. As examples of fluid loss agents that can be used to inhibit leakage from the slurry, either in the separating fluid or in the slurry itself, there may be mentioned latex dispersions, water soluble polymers, sub-chronicle particles, particles with

<img file="MX336480B_D0042.tif" />

aspect ratio greater than 1, preferably greater than 6, combinations of these and the like, such as, for example, polyvinyl alcohol crosslinked microgel. The fluidic agent may be, for example, a latex dispersion of polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polystyrene-cobutadiene; a water soluble polymer such as hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), guar, polyacrylamide copolymers and their derivatives; fluid loss control agent particles in the 30nm-bpm size range such as y-alumina, colloidal silica, CaCO₃, Y0₂, bentonite, etc .; particles with different shapes such as glass fibers, flakes, layers; and any combination of these or the like. Fluid loss agents can if desired additionally include or be used in conjunction with acrylamido-methylpropane sulfonate polymers (AMPS). In one embodiment, the leak control agent comprises a reactive solid, for example, a hydrolyzable material such as PGA, PLA, or the like; or it may include a soluble or solubilizable material such as a wax, an oil soluble resin, or other hydrocarbon soluble material, or calcium carbonate or other low pH soluble material; and so on. In one embodiment, the leak control agent comprises a reactive solid selected from ground quartz, oil soluble resin, degradable rock salt, clay, zeolite, or the like. In another embodiment, the leakage control agent comprises magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium calcium carbonate, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, aluminum metaphosphate, potassium zinc polyphosphate glass, and polyphosphate glass. magnesium calcium sodium, or the like. In an embodiment where grout 324 comprises a degradable material, the leak control agent comprises the same or a similar material, such that the leak control agent is removed from the surface of the screen 312 simultaneously with the degradable material in the grout, for example, concurrently with the second quantity and / or the third quantity of particles where these are present in the grout.

In another embodiment, with reference to Figs. 21 and 22, a screen 312 is positioned in a hole 314 as previously described in relation to Figs. 5 to 7. The separating fluid 380, containing a leak control agent as described above, is pumped in front of the multimodal grout 324, and is introduced into ring 316 around screen 312, for example, through a 336 flush pipe or other Suitable media, whereby openings in screen 312 are sealed to limit leakage. The high solids slurry 324 is then introduced into ring 316 displacing separator fluid 380 with controlled leakage within

Industry

<img file="MX336480B_D0043.tif" />

of the 312 sieve so that the grout retains its theological characteristics and prevents premature &lt;^ © yjeg¡¡r_s© bridging or plugging in ring 316, at least until grout ^ ftlftl ^ R '^ »^

Industrial place as desired. After that, the leakage control agent is removed from the screen 312 and the grout 324 is converted to a gravel pack as previously described.

In embodiments, the slurry comprises a carrier fluid, a mixture of solids, and a stability additive, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of PSD modes such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75, and preferably exceeds 0.8. The stability additive helps to inhibit the sedimentation of the solids mixture in the grout, and thus maintains its theological characteristics. This may be important where the grout has to be prepared before use or where the grout is placed in the hole with considerable delay before contact with the screen, for example where the work string is deactivated to fix the screen after of grout placement. The stability additive in one embodiment comprises colloidal particles, such as, for example, γ-alumina, MgO, and-Fe2O3, combinations thereof, and the like. In another embodiment, the stability additive comprises particles of a hydratable polymer, especially particles of a polymer that hydrates at downhole temperatures, such as above 60 ° C, eg, heteropolysaccharides such as gellan gum. Stabilizing particles may further include particles having an aspect ratio above 6, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300 or the like, especially flakes or fibers comprising a polymer or copolymer of lactic acid, glycolic acid, a combination of these or the like. In a particular embodiment, the grout has a solids volume fraction (SVF) of 0.5 to 0.75, preferably 0.55 to 0.7, preferably 0.56 to 0.68, preferably 0.58 to 0.66. In various modalities, the solids mixture is trimodal, tetramodal, pentamodal, or the like, and can be stable and self-dispersible for at least 48 hours.

In another embodiment, a dispersant can be used to extract fines from a package of solids formed from a slurry comprising a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of size distribution modes of volume averaged particle (PSD) such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75, preferably exceeds 0.8, and wherein the solids mixture comprises at least one holding agent PSD mode and one fines PSD mode. The dispersant may be present in the slurry, in another fluid used to displace the carrier fluid from the

<img file="MX336480B_D0044.tif" />

holding agent, or in a fluid circulated and / or poured into the pit after formation Itfitltut package. In one embodiment, the dispersant comprises a polyelectrolyte, eg ej / J ^} ®®⁰® of the Polysulfonate Property, such as lignosulfonate, polymelamine sulfonate, polystyrene sulfonate, polynaphthalene sulfonate or the like; polycarboxylate, such as a polyacrylate having a weight average molecular weight less than 10,000 Dalton; combinations of these and the like. In one embodiment, the dispersant comprises a surfactant, for example, an anionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, or nonionic surfactant. At low concentrations, surfactants can have a coagulating effect on fines, however at high enough concentrations surfactants are effective as dispersants of fines. In general, the higher the salinity, the more dispersant is required, especially with respect to ionic dispersants. Where the carrier fluid is a brine or especially a high brine, nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylenes (including polyethylene glycol) may be beneficial since they are less affected by salinity. In general, a weight ratio of dispersant to fines is approximately 1: 500 to 10:90.

The fines dispersed by the dispersant in various modes are silica, calcium carbonate, or the like. The fines can be agglomerated in the grout if desired. The slurry may comprise a volume fraction of the solids from about 0.45 to PVF, and a volume fraction of the carrier fluid from (1-PVF) to 0.55, preferably up to 2.5 * (1-PVF) in one embodiment. In modalities the holding agent PSD mode is 100 to 2000 microns, the fines PSD mode is 1 to 20 microns, and / or the holding agent PSD mode is 18 to 900 times larger than the Fine PSD mode. In some embodiments, the grout further comprises one or more intermediate PSD modes, preferably selected from PSD modes 2 to 60 times smaller than the holding agent PSD mode, PSD modes 1.1 to 60 times larger than the fine PSD modes, and combinations of these. In a particular embodiment, the intermediate PSD modes can include a relatively larger PSD mode and a relatively smaller intermediate PSD mode, preferably where the largest intermediate PSD mode is 2 to 15 times smaller than the mode. of holding agent PSD and 1.25 to 15 times larger than the smallest intermediate PSD mode, and preferably where the smallest intermediate mode is 1.1 to 15 times larger than the fines PSD mode. In a further embodiment, the slurry further comprises an average intermediate PSD mode 1.5 to 4 times smaller than

<img file="MX336480B_D0045.tif" />

tasritutc the largest intermediate PSD mode and 1.25 to 2.5 times larger than the smallest Μ &amp; ΧίΰΏΓΚ PSD mode. In one modality, at least one of the intermediate PSD modes is degra ^ a ^ e? ^ Austria preferably the largest intermediate PSD mode.

In a further embodiment, the slurry comprises a mixture of solids in a carrier fluid, where the mixture of solids comprises a first, second, third, and fourth volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a fraction Compacted volume (PVF) of the solids mixture is greater than 0.75, preferably greater than 0.80; and a solids volume fraction (SVF) of the slurry is less than the PVF of the solids mixture; wherein the first PSD mode is at least three times as large as the second PSD mode, the second PSD mode is larger than the third PSD mode, and the third PSD mode is larger than the fourth PSD mode. PSD, and wherein at least one of the second and third PSD modes is less than 3 times larger than the respective third or fourth PSD modes. The grout may further include a fifth PSD mode where the fourth PSD mode is larger than the fifth PSD mode and preferably less than 3 times larger than the fifth PSD mode. In one embodiment, the first PSD mode is 3 to 10 (preferably approximately 5 to approximately 7, more preferably approximately 5.4 to approximately 6.9, especially approximately 5.6 to approximately 6.6 times larger than the second PSD mode) times more bigger than the second PSD mode, the second PSD mode is 1.5 to 4 (preferably about 2 to about 2.4 times larger than the third PSD mode) times larger than the third PSD mode, the third PSD mode is at least 1.25 (preferably up to about 2.5, more preferably about 1.8 or 1.9) times larger than the fourth PSD mode, and if the fifth PSD mode is present, the fourth

PSD is at least 1.1 (preferably up to 2, more preferably about 1.6) times larger than the fifth PSD mode.

In one embodiment, the first PSD mode is from about 422 microns to about 853 microns (20/40 mesh), the second PSD mode is from about microns to about 180 microns (preferably from about 100 microns to about 150 microns), the third PSD mode is from about microns to about 70 microns (preferably from about 40 microns to about 60 microns), the fourth PSD mode is about 1

<img file="MX336480B_D0046.tif" />

micron up to about 40 microns, and the fifth PSD mode, if present, is about 1 micron up to about 25 microns. In another embodiment, edQiiflltBropledaCl Industrial PSD mode is at least 1 micron and the first PSD mode is from about 422 microns (40 mesh) to about 853 microns (20 mesh). In one embodiment, the second PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 5 to 30 percent (preferably 10 to 20 percent, more preferably 10 to 15 percent), the third PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 3 at 20 percent (preferably 3 to 10 percent), the fourth PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 5 to 40 percent (preferably 10 to 30 percent), based on a total SVF of the first PSD mode, and the fifth PSD mode, if present, it comprises a total SVF of 1 to 40 percent, based on a total SVF of the first PSD mode. Additionally or alternatively, the second PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 5 to 30, preferably 10 to 20, percent of a total SVF of the first PSD mode; the third PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 10 to 100, preferably 30 to 60, percent of the total SVF of the second PSD mode; the fourth PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 10 to 100, preferably 30 to 80, percent of the total SVF of the third PSD mode; and if present, the fifth PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 10 to 500, preferably 100 to 400, percent of the total SVF of the fourth PSD mode. In embodiments, the slurry may further comprise a fluid loss agent, a dispersant, and / or wherein at least one of the second, third, fourth, or fifth PSD modes comprises a degradable material.

As is evident from the figures and text presented above, as well as from the examples below, a variety of modalities are contemplated:

one. A method, comprising: combining a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids to form a preferably self-dispersible slurry, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes, wherein a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume average median size at least three times larger than the volume average median size of a second PSD mode such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) of the mixture solids exceeds 0.75 or preferably exceeds 0.8, and wherein the solids mixture, preferably the second PSD mode, comprises a degradable material and includes a reactive solid, circulate the grout through a hole to form a package of the solids mixture that has a PVF that exceeds 0.75 or preferably exceeds 0.8 in one or both of a fracture fvi

<img file="MX336480B_D0047.tif" />

Institute in a formation and a ring between a sieve and the pit; degrade the degradable material in the M © xlcan &lt;of the Propledai package to increase the porosity and permeability of the package; and produce a fluid from the reservoir Industrie from the formation through the increased porosity package.

2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the carrier fluid is a low viscosity fluid free of viscosifier or comprising a viscosifier in an amount less than 2.4 g of viscosifier per liter of carrier fluid (20 Ib / lOOOgal).

3. The method of modality 1 or 2, where the slurry is stable and has a high particle load that comprises at least 3.6 kg of the mixture of solids per liter of the carrier fluid (30

Ib / gal).

Four. The method of embodiment 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first PSD mode comprises gravel and the second PSD mode comprises alumina trihydrate particles, and wherein the degradation comprises changing a pH in the package to solubilize the particles of alumina trihydrate.

5. The method of any one of modes 1 to 4, wherein the degradable material is soluble in basic fluids and the degradation comprises increasing a pH in the package to dissolve the degradable material.

6. The method of embodiment 5, wherein the degradable material is selected from the group consisting of amphoteric oxides, esters, coated acids, and combinations thereof.

7. The method of any one of modalities 1 to 6, wherein the solids mixture comprises a base or a base precursor.

8. The method of embodiment 7, wherein the base or base precursor is poorly soluble or encapsulated.

9. The method of embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the base is selected from the group consisting of ammonium and alkali metal hydroxides, organic amines, urea, substituted urea, and combinations thereof.

10. The method of any of the modalities 1 to 9, which comprises contacting the package with a basic aqueous solution.

eleven. The method of any one of modalities 1 to 4, wherein the degradable material is soluble in acidic fluids and the degradation comprises lowering a pH in the package to dissolve the degradable material.

<img file="MX336480B_D0048.tif" />

'j

Μ,

Institute

12. The method of modality 1 or 11, where the degradable material is selected from that consisting of oxides and hydroxides of aluminum, zinc, tin, lead, boron, silicKftylfliPftipi @ GÍGd carbonates, sulfates, oxides and hydroxides of calcium, magnesium and barium ; and combinations of these. ^^⁸^®^

13. The method of embodiment 1.11 or 12, wherein the solids mixture comprises an acid or an acid precursor.

14. The method of embodiment 13, wherein the acid or acid precursor is poorly soluble or encapsulated.

fifteen. The method of embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the acidic precursor is selected from the group consisting of hydrolyzable esters, acidic anhydrides, acidic sulfonates, acid halides, and combinations thereof.

16. The method of either modality 1 or 11 to 15, which comprises contacting the package with an acidic aqueous solution.

17. The method of any one of Modes 11 to 16, wherein the second PSD mode comprises an encapsulated solid soluble in water or in oil, and the degradation comprises de-encapsulating the soluble solid.

18. The method of any of modalities 11 to 17, wherein the second PSD mode comprises a water soluble solid and the carrier fluid comprises a saturated aqueous solution of the water soluble solid, and the degradation comprises contacting the package with an aqueous medium subsaturated.

19. The method of any one of modes 11 to 17, wherein the second PSD mode comprises a water soluble solid, and the carrier fluid comprises an inverted oil emulsion where the water soluble solid is dispersed in an oil phase, and degradation comprises breaking the emulsion to dissolve the water soluble solid in an aqueous medium.

twenty. The method of modality 19, which comprises contacting the package with a demulsifier to break the emulsion.

twenty-one. The method of embodiment 19 or 20, which comprises contacting the package with a pH control agent to break the emulsion.

22. The method of embodiment 21, wherein the pH control agent is selected from the group consisting of monoesters, polyesters, weak acids, weak bases, urea, urea derivatives, and combinations thereof.

<img file="MX336480B_D0049.tif" />

2. 3. The method of any of the modalities 1 to 22, where the degradable material M-XiCOnO. „. ,,., of the Property comprises a soluble material. Industrial

24. The method of embodiment 23, wherein the carrier fluid is saturated with respect to the soluble material.

25. The method of embodiment 23 or 24, wherein the soluble material comprises a salt and the carrier fluid comprises brine.

26. A composition, comprising: a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids combined to form a self-dispersing slurry, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes, wherein a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume average median size at least three times larger than the volume average median size of a second PSD mode such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) of the mixture solids exceeds 0.75 or preferably exceeds 0.8, and wherein the solids mixture, preferably the second PSD mode, comprises a degradable material and includes a reactive solid.

27. The composition of embodiment 26, wherein the carrier fluid is a low viscosity fluid free of viscosifier or comprising a viscosifier in an amount less than 2.4 g of viscosifier per liter of carrier fluid (20 lb / 1000 gal).

28. The composition of modality 26 or 27, where the slurry is stable and has a high particle load that comprises at least 3.6 kg of the mixture of solids per liter of the carrier fluid (30 Ib / gal).

29. The composition of embodiment 26, 27 or 28, wherein the first PSD mode comprises gravel and the second PSD mode comprises alumina trihydrate particles.

30. The composition of any of the modalities 26 to 30, wherein the degradable material is soluble in basic fluids.

31. The composition of embodiment 30, wherein the degradable material is selected from the group consisting of amphoteric oxides, esters, coated acids, and combinations thereof.

32. The composition of any one of modalities 26 to 31, wherein the solids mixture comprises a base or a base precursor.

33. The composition of embodiment 32, wherein the base or base precursor is poorly soluble or encapsulated.

<img file="MX336480B_D0050.tif" />

Institute

3. 4. The composition of modality 32 or 33, wherein the base is selected from the group containing ^ flexICGn © of alkali metal hydroxides, γ-ammonium, organic amines, urea, urea and combinations thereof.

35. The composition of any of the modalities 26 to 29, wherein the degrabie material is soluble in acidic fluids.

36. The composition of any one of modalities 26 to 30 or 35, wherein the degrading material is selected from the group consisting of oxides and hydroxides of aluminum, zinc, tin, lead, boron, silicon and iron; carbonates, sulfates, oxides and hydroxides of calcium, magnesium and barium; and combinations of these.

37. The composition of any one of modalities 26 to 30 or 35 to 36, wherein the solids mixture comprises an acid or an acid precursor.

38. The composition of embodiment 37, wherein the acid or acid precursor is poorly soluble or encapsulated.

39. The composition of embodiment 37 or 38, wherein the acid precursor is selected from the group consisting of hydrolyzable esters, acid anhydrides, acid sulphonates, acid halides, and combinations thereof.

40. The composition of any one of modalities 26 to 39, wherein the second PSD mode comprises an encapsulated solid soluble in water or in oil.

41. The composition of any one of modalities 26 to 39, wherein the second PSD mode comprises a water soluble solid and the carrier fluid comprises a saturated aqueous solution of the water soluble solid.

42. The composition of embodiment 40 or 41, wherein the soluble material comprises a salt and the carrier fluid comprises brine.

43. The composition of any of modalities 26 to 39, wherein the second PSD mode comprises a water soluble solid and the carrier fluid comprises an inverted oil emulsion where the water soluble solid is dispersed in an oil phase.

44. A method, comprising: combining a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids to form a preferably self-dispersible slurry, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a fraction Compacted volume (PVF) of the solids mixture exceeds 0.75, or preferably exceeds 0.8; contacting a sieve with a fluid comprising a

<img file="MX336480B_D0051.tif" />

IrsíMq leak control to bridge the screen to inhibit fluid ingress; position the sieve in a hole and circulate the grout through the hole in any order so ^ Seia ^^^^ solids mixture is deposited between the sieve and the hole; converting the deposited solids mixture to a gravel pack to increase porosity and permeability; remove the bridge from the sieve; and producing a reservoir fluid from the formation through the gravel pack and screen.

Four. Five. The method of embodiment 44, wherein the slurry comprises the leak control agent and the bridge is formed in the screen during circulation of the slurry.

46. The mode 45 method, wherein the solids mixture comprises three PSD modes for bridging the screen, wherein a first quantity of particles has a first PSD, a second quantity of particles has a second PSD, and a third number of particles has a third PSD, where the first PSD is larger than the second PSD, and where the second PSD is larger than the third PSD.

47. The method of modality 46, wherein the first amount of particles comprises 40/80 mesh gravel (178-422 mlcron).

48. The 46 or 47 modality method, where the first PSD is smaller than 40 mesh (422 microns).

49. The method of any one of modes 44 to 48, wherein the solids mixture comprises three PSD modes, wherein a first quantity of particles has a first PSD, a second quantity of particles has a second PSD, and a third quantity Particle has a third PSD, where the first PSD is two to ten times larger than the second PSD, and where the second PSD is three to ten times larger than the third PSD.

fifty. The method of any one of modalities 44 to 49, wherein the leak control fluid comprises a separator fluid introduced into the hole.

51. The mode 50 method, wherein the grout is circulated through the hole prior to positioning the screen in the hole, where the separating fluid is positioned in the hole above the grout, and where the screen is passed to through the separating fluid into the hole and then it fits into the grout.

52. The method of embodiment 50, wherein the screen is positioned in the hole before the slurry is circulated within a ring between the screen and the hole, and where the separating fluid is circulated within the ring prior to the slurry.

<img file="MX336480B_D0052.tif" />

53. The method of any of modalities 50 to 52, wherein the separating fluid and the slurry are sequentially pumped through a flow passage in the screen to one end of the screen and into the ring.

54. A method, comprising: combining a carrier fluid, a first quantity of particles, a second quantity of particles, and a third quantity of particles within a slurry; where the first number of particles have a first average size distribution, the second number of particles have a second average size distribution, and the third number of particles have a third average size distribution, where the first average size distribution is at least three times larger than the second average size distribution, and where the second average size distribution is larger than the third average size distribution; wherein at least one of the second quantity of particles and the third quantity of particles comprises a degradable material; position a screen in a hole in an underground formation and circulate the slurry through the hole in any order so that the first number of particles, the second number of particles, and the third number of particles bridge the surface of the screen to inhibit the entry of fluid and a packet of solids in a ring between the screen surface and a hole surface; and selectively extracting from the first quantity of particles at least a part of the particles selected from the second quantity of particles, the third quantity of particles and a combination of these, to increase the porosity and permeability in the bridge and the package of solids for fluid flow from one side of the ring to the other and through the screen.

55. The method of any of the modalities 1 to 25 or 54, where the screen is placed inside the hole before circulating the grout.

56. The method of any of the modalities 1 to 25 or 54, where the grout is circulated inside the hole before placing the sieve in the hole.

57. The method of any of the modalities 54 to 56, wherein the first quantity of particles and the second quantity of particles have a combined fraction of dry compacted volume greater than approximately 0.75, preferably greater than 0.8.

58. The method of any of the modalities 54 to 57, where the grout is combined before circulation in the hole.

<img file="MX336480B_D0053.tif" />

I instituted

Mexlcan

59. The method of any one of modalities 54 to 57, wherein a sum of particles in the slurry exceeds thirty pounds per gallon of carrier fluid. Industrial

60. The method of either modality 54 to 57, wherein the second average size distribution is at least three times larger than the third average size distribution.

61. The method of embodiment 60, wherein the total volume of solids of the third quantity of particles is greater than the total volume of solids of the second quantity of particles.

62. The method of either modality 54 to 61, wherein the slurry further includes a fourth number of particles having a fourth average size distribution, and where the third average size distribution is larger than the fourth average size distribution .

63. The mode 62 method, wherein the slurry further includes a fifth number of particles having a fifth average size distribution, and where the fourth average size distribution is larger than the fifth average size distribution.

64. The method of any of modalities 54 to 63, wherein the first average size distribution is between approximately six to ten times larger than the second average size distribution.

65. The method of either modality 54 to 64, wherein the second average size distribution is approximately 1.5 to 15 times larger than the third average size distribution.

66. The mode 65 method, wherein the slurry further includes a fourth number of particles having a fourth average size distribution, and where the third average size distribution is between approximately 1.25 and 15 times larger than the fourth distribution of Average size.

67. The mode 66 method, where the slurry also includes a fifth number of particles having a fifth average size distribution, and where the fourth average size distribution is between about 1.1 and 15 times larger than the fifth distribution of Average size.

68. A method, comprising: combining a carrier fluid, a first quantity of particles, a second quantity of particles, a third quantity of particles and a fourth quantity of particles within a slurry; where the first number of particles have a first

<img file="MX336480B_D0054.tif" />

Insfltutc average size distribution, the second number of particles have a second

Mexlcanc mean size distribution, the third number of particles have a third PrOpl6dOC distrilqtaita of average size, and the fourth number of particles have a fourth size distribution ^ dUSÍrtO average, where the first particle size distribution is at least three times larger than the second average size distribution, where the second average size distribution is at least three times larger than the third average size distribution, and where the third average size distribution is at least three times larger than the fourth average size distribution; position a sieve in a hole in an underground formation and circulate the grout through the hole in any order so that the first quantity of particles, the second quantity of particles, and the third quantity of particles form a bridge on a surface of the sieve to inhibit the ingress of fluid and a packet of solids into a ring between the screen surface and a hole surface; selectively extracting from the first quantity of particles at least a part of the selected particles from the second quantity of particles, the third quantity of particles, the fourth quantity of particles, and combinations thereof, to increase the porosity and permeability in the bridge and the solids package for fluid flow from one side of the ring to the other and through the screen.

69. The method of embodiment 68, wherein the first amount of particles comprises gravel.

70. The method of modality 68 or 69, where the first average size distribution is a 40 mesh (422 pm) or larger.

71. The method of any of modalities 68 to 70, wherein the first amount of particles comprises 20/40 mesh gravel.

72. The method of any of modalities 68 to 71, wherein the slurry further comprises a fifth number of particles having a fifth average particle size distribution, where the fourth average particle size distribution is at least three times larger. than the fifth distribution of average particle size.

73. The method of any of the modalities 68 to 72, where the first average size distribution is between 20 and 40 mesh (422 - 853 pm), the second average size distribution is from 140 pm to 280 pm, the third distribution of average size is from 15 to 65 pm, and the fourth distribution of average size is from 1 to 10 pm.

<img file="MX336480B_D0055.tif" />

Institute

74. The method of any of the modalities 68 to 73, where the first distribution ^^and| y | gx | cgf) or average size is 3 to 15 times larger than the second distribution of &lt;S »to Average industrial property, where the second average size distribution is 3 to 15 times larger than the third distribution of average size, and where the third distribution of average size is from 3 to 15 times bigger than the fourth distribution of average size.

75. The method of any of the modalities 68 to 74, wherein at least one of the second quantity of particles and the third quantity of particles comprises a degradable material.

76. The method of any one of modalities 68 to 75, wherein the slurry further comprises a fluid loss agent to inhibit leakage of the slurry.

77. The mode 76 method, wherein the fluid loss agent is selected from the group consisting of: latex dispersions, water soluble polymers, submicron particles, particles with an aspect ratio higher than 6, and combinations thereof .

78. The method of embodiment 76 or 77, wherein the fluid loss agent comprises an interlaced polyvinyl alcohol microgel.

79. The method of any one of modalities 76 to 78, wherein the fluid loss agent further comprises AMPS.

80. The method of any of the modalities 68 to 79, where the slurry comprises a volume fraction of solids (SVF) of 0.5 to 0.75.

81. The method of any of the modalities 68 to 80, where the total particles in the slurry have a fraction of compacted volume (PVF) greater than the SVF.

82. The method of any of the modalities 1 to 25 or 44 to 81, where the grout is circulated in a horizontal part of the hole from tip to heel.

83. The method of either modality 1 to 25 or 44 to 82, wherein the slurry is circulated in the hole at a pressure less than the fracture pressure.

84. The method of either modality 1 to 25 or 44 to 83, where the grout is circulated in the hole at a speed less than 800 L / min (5 BPM).

85. The method of either modality 1 to 25 or 44 to 84, wherein the grout is circulated in the pit through a flush pipe, where a sieve-pit ring has a relatively smaller radial thickness than a radial thickness of a ring wash-screen pipe.

86. A system, comprising: a slurry comprising a carrier fluid suspending a first quantity of particles, a second quantity of particles, and a third quantity of

<img file="MX336480B_D0056.tif" />

particles; where the first number of particles have a first distribution of^tarna^ | (| fj3coJ ^ average, the second number of particles have a second distribution of average ^ rlfilíBOplOCfCiCl, and the third number of particles have a third distribution of average size; ^^^ ® ^ where the first distribution of average size is at least three times larger than the second average size distribution, and where the second average size distribution is at least three times larger than the third average size distribution; wherein at least one of the second quantity of particles and the third quantity of particles comprises a degradable material; and a string of pipe and a slurry pump to position a sieve and circulate the slurry into a hole in an underground formation in any order so that the first amount of particles, the second amount of particles, and the third amount of particles form a bridge on a screen surface and a solids bridge in a ring between the screen surface and a hole surface, and where the degradable material can be selectively extracted from the first amount of particles to increase the porosity and permeability in the package of solids for the flow of fluid from one side of the ring to the other and through the screen.

87. The mode 86 system, wherein the first number of particles and the second number of particles have a combined fraction of dry compacted volume greater than about 0.75, preferably greater than 0.80.

88. The 86 or 87 mode system, where a sum of all the particles in the slurry exceeds thirty pounds per gallon of carrier fluid.

89. The system of any of the modalities 86 to 88, wherein the total volume of solids of the third quantity of particles is greater than the total volume of solids of the second quantity of particles.

90. The system of any of the modalities 86 to 89, where the slurry also includes a fourth quantity of particles that has a fourth average size distribution, and where the third average size distribution is larger than the fourth average size distribution .

91. The modality 90 system, where the slurry also includes a fifth quantity of particles that has a fifth average size distribution, and where the fourth average size distribution is larger than the fifth average size distribution.

<img file="MX336480B_D0057.tif" />

92. The system of any of the modalities 86 to 91, where the first distribution dMexsCü ^; ':

average size is approximately six to ten times larger than the second⁰^ ® ^ 'lnQUSt'fr distribution of average size.

93. A method, comprising: combining a carrier fluid, a mixture of solids, and a stability additive to form a slurry, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes. that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75, preferably exceeds 0.8, where the slurry comprises a volume fraction of solids (SVF) less than the PVF of the solids mixture; circulate the grout into a hole to deposit the grout at the bottom of the well; end the circulation of the grout over a period of time, where the stability additive inhibits the sedimentation of the solids mixture; and after that circulate the deposited grout in contact with a screen surface.

94. The method of embodiment 93, wherein the stability additive comprises colloidal particles.

95. The method of embodiment 94, wherein the colloidal particles are selected from the group consisting of y-alumina, MgO, and-Fe2O3, and combinations thereof.

96. The method of any one of modalities 93 to 95, wherein the stability additive comprises hydratable polymer particles.

97. The method of modality 96, wherein the polymer particles have a hydration temperature above 60^andC.

98. The method of embodiment 96 or 97, wherein the polymer particles comprise a heteropolysaccharide.

99. The method of embodiment 96, 97 or 98, wherein the polymer particles comprise gellan gum.

100. The method of any of the modalities 93 to 99, wherein the stability additive comprises stabilizing particles having an aspect ratio above 6.

101. The method of embodiment 100, wherein stabilizing particles having an aspect ratio above 6 are degradable.

102. The method of embodiment 100 or 101, wherein stabilizing particles having an aspect ratio above 6 comprise flakes, fibers, or a combination thereof

<img file="MX336480B_D0058.tif" />

InsfM © comprising a polymer or copolymer of lactic acid, glycolic acid, or the combination thereof. ^Ia Pr © pl®eKsd

Industrial

103. The method of any of the modalities 93 to 102, wherein the circulation of the deposited slurry in contact with the screen surface comprises fitting the screen within the deposited slurry.

104. The method of any one of modalities 93 to 103, wherein the slurry circulation is terminated to activate a work string from the hole and activate the screen within the hole.

105. The method of any of the modalities 93 to 104, where the SVF is 0.5 to 0.75, preferably 0.55 to 0.7, preferably 0.56 to 0.68, preferably 0.58 to 0.66.

106. The method of any of the modes 93 to 105, wherein one of the PSD modes comprises gravel.

107. The method of any of the modalities 93 to 106, where the mixture of solids is trimodal.

108. The method of any of the modalities 93 to 106, where the mixture of solids is tetra modal.

109. The method of any of the modalities 93 to 106, where the mixture of solids is pentamodal.

110. The method of any one of modalities 93 to 109, further comprising forming the solids mixture in the grout into a package in a ring between the screen and the pit.

111. The mode 110 method, further comprising converting the package into a permeable gravel package.

112. A slurry, comprising: a mixture of solids comprising a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75, preferably exceeds 0.8; a carrier fluid in an amount to provide a volume fraction of solids (SVF) less than the PVF of the solids mixture; and a stability additive to inhibit sedimentation of the solids mixture.

113. The grout of embodiment 112, wherein the stability additive comprises colloidal particles.

114. The slurry of embodiment 113, wherein the colloidal particles are selected from a group consisting of γ-alumina, MgO, and-Fe2O3, and combinations thereof.

.Mifeío

<img file="MX336480B_D0059.tif" />

iRáustrtcrt

115. The slurry of any of modalities 112, 113 or 114, wherein the stability additive comprises particles of a hydratable polymer.

116. The grout of modality 115, where the polymer particles have a hydration temperature above 60^andC.

117. The slurry of embodiment 115 or 116, wherein the polymer particles comprise a heteropolysaccharide.

118. The slurry of either modality 115,116 or 117, wherein the polymer particles comprise gellan gum.

119. The grout of any one of modes 112 to 118, wherein the stability additive comprises stabilizing particles having an aspect ratio above 6.

120. The grout of modality 119, where stabilizing particles having an aspect ratio above 6 are degradable.

121. The grout of embodiment 119 or 120, wherein stabilizing particles having an aspect ratio above 6 comprise flakes comprising a polymer or copolymer of lactic acid, glycolic acid, or a combination thereof.

122. The grout of any of the modalities 112 to 121, where the SVF is from 0.5 to 0.75, preferably from 0.55 to 0.7, preferably from 0.56 to 0.68, preferably from 0.58 to 0.66.

123. The grout of any one of modes 112 to 122, wherein one of the PSD modes comprises gravel.

124. The grout of any of the modalities 112 to 123, where the mixture of solids is trimodal.

125. The grout of any of the modalities 112 to 123, where the mixture of solids is tetramodal.

126. The grout of any of the modalities 112 to 123, where the mixture of solids is pentamodal.

127. The grout of any of the modalities 112 to 126, where the grout is stable and self-dispersible for at least 48 hours.

128. A method of stabilizing a slurry comprising a mixture of solids in a carrier fluid, wherein the mixture of solids comprises three to five modes of distribution.

Volume-averaged particle size (PSD) cnstify so that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75, or preferably exceeds 0.8, and where the slurry compromises a volume fraction of solids (SVF) less than the PVF of the mixture of solids, which l ** £ 5tíSifÉi includes: introducing a stability additive into the slurry, wherein the stability additive is selected from the group consisting of colloidal particles, hydratable polymer particles, particles having an aspect ratio above 6, and combinations thereof.

129. The method of embodiment 128, wherein the stability additive comprises colloidal particles selected from the group consisting of γ-alumina, MgO, and-Fe2O3, and combinations thereof.

130. The method of embodiment 128 or 129, wherein the stability additive comprises hydratable polymer particles having a hydration temperature above 60 ° C.

131. The method of embodiment 128, 129 or 130, wherein the stability additive comprises a heteropolysaccharide.

132. The method of any of the modalities 128 to 131, wherein the stability additive comprises gellan gum.

133. The method of any one of modes 128 to 132, wherein the stability additive comprises stabilizing particles having an aspect ratio above 6, where the stabilizing particles are degradable.

134. The method of embodiment 133, wherein stabilizing particles having an aspect ratio above 6 comprise flakes comprising a polymer or copolymer of lactic acid, glycolic acid, or a combination thereof.

135. The method of any of the modalities 128 to 134, where the grout has an SVF of 0.5 to 0.75, preferably 0.55 to 0.7, preferably 0.56 to 0.68, preferably 0.58 to 0.66.

136. The method of any of the modes 128 to 135, wherein one of the PSD modes comprises gravel.

137. The method of any one of modalities 128 to 136, wherein the grout is stable and self-dispersible for at least 48 hours after the introduction of the stabilizing additive into the grout.

<img file="MX336480B_D0060.tif" />

Institute

138. One method, which comprises: positioning a generally cylindrical screen in a parV® ^ ®® ^ 3 hole in the Property defining a ring between the screen and the hole; and passing a slurry comprising a carrier fluid Y | pdUStrlal a mixture of solids through the hole, through a passage within the screen to a bottom end of the screen and into the ring to package the solid mixture on an outer surface of the sieve; wherein the solids mixture comprises at least two volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes, wherein a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume average median size of at least three times larger than the volume average median size of a second PSD mode such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) of the solids mixture exceeds 0.75, or preferably exceeds 0.8.

139. The method of embodiment 138, wherein the sieve positioning employs a work string comprising a drill pipe, a packer assembly, and a wash pipe, and further comprising connecting the wash pipe to a bottom end of the sieve, pumping the slurry down into the drill pipe through the wash pipe and out of the bottom end into the ring, and further comprising, after pumping the grout into the ring, set up the packer and remove the wash pipe.

140. The method of modality 138 or 139, where the ring has a radial thickness (inside radius of the hole minus outside radius of the sieve) less than 25 mm.

141. The method of any of the modalities 138 to 140, wherein the slurry is circulated in the ring at a pressure less than the fracture pressure, preferably at a speed of less than 800 L / min (5 BPM).

142. The mode 138 method, wherein the sieve positioning employs a work string comprising a drill pipe, a packer assembly, a wash pipe, the sieve, and an end cap comprising a port to allow the pipe of washing is connected to a bottom of the assembly, and that also includes establishing the packer, pump the slurry down into the drill pipe through the flush pipe and out of the bottom of the assembly into the ring to increase the pressure in the ring greater than a fracture pressure to fracture the formation, and thereafter extract the drill pipe and hole wash pipe.

143. The method of embodiment 138, wherein the sieve positioning employs a production assembly comprising a production line, the sieve, and a packer, wherein

I · Μ; Ρ 'ί

<img file="MX336480B_D0061.tif" />

SnsWufr the screen is coated with a degradable material to inhibit inflow, where after the screen is positioned, the slurry is pumped down into the production pipeline through the central flow passage, outside of the distal end within the ring, and which further comprises, after pumping the grout into the ring, setting the packer, degrade the degradable material for the inflow into the screen and produce a reservoir fluid through the production line.

144. The mode 138 method, where the sieve positioning employs a production assembly comprising a production line, the screen and a packer, where the screen contains a degradable material within a base line to inhibit inlet flow , where after sieve positioning, the slurry is pumped down into the production line through the central flow passage, outside the distal end within the ring, and further comprising, after pumping the grout into the ring, set the packer, degrade the degradable material for the inflow, and produce a reservoir fluid through the production line.

145. The mode 138 method, wherein the sieve positioning employs a production assembly comprising a production pipeline, the sieve, a packer, and a mechanical inlet flow device to selectively inhibit or allow inlet flow, in where after positioning the sieve, the slurry is pumped down into the production pipeline through the central flow passage, outside the dlstal end within the ring, and further comprising, After pumping the grout into the ring, set up the packer, activate the inlet flow device to allow inlet flow into the screen, and produce fluid from the reservoir through the production line.

146. The mode 145 method wherein the inlet flow device is remotely operated.

147. The mode 145 or 146 method, wherein the input flow device is activated by a timing device at a prescribed time after the production assembly is run in the pit.

148. The method of any of the modalities 138 to 147, which further comprises establishing a chemical packer in a ring between the hole and a pipe connected to the screen.

149. The mode 148 method, wherein the chemical packer is run prior to grouting.

<img file="MX336480B_D0062.tif" />

150. The method of any of the modalities 138 to 149, which further comprises establishing a plurality of separate chemical packers in the sieve-pit ring and optional ^ i ^ rifiiPé® ^ '® ^ ® ^

Industrie / in a ring between the hole and a pipe connected to the screen, to create zonal insulation.

151. The method of either modality 148 to 150, wherein the chemical packer is introduced into the pipe-pit ring through a diversion port above the screen.

152. The method of embodiment 138, wherein the sieve positioning employs a drill assembly comprising a drill string, the sieve, a casing packer, and a drill and measurement assembly comprising a drill bit, the sieve positioning comprising drill a final length of the hole to place the screen, the grout circulation that involves pumping the grout through the drill assembly out of the bit and into the ring, and which also includes, after pumping the slurry into the ring, establishing the casing packer, removing the drill string and leaving the bit at the bottom of the well.

153. The method of embodiment 152, which further comprises pumping a capping material to follow the grout and seal a bottom of the hole.

154. The method of embodiment 138, wherein the sieve positioning employs a drill assembly comprising a drill string, the sieve, a casing packer, and a drill and measurement assembly comprising a drill bit, the sieve positioning comprising drilling a final length of the hole to place the sieve, and which also includes establishing the packer, pump the grout through the drill assembly out of the bit and into the ring to increase the pressure in the ring greater than fracture pressure to fracture the formation, extract the drill string and leave the bit down the hole.

155. The method of embodiment 138, wherein the positioning of the screen employs a drilling assembly comprising a drill string, the screen and a drilling and measuring assembly comprising a drill bit, the positioning of the screen comprising drilling a final length of the hole to place the sieve, the grout circulation comprising pumping a chemical packer before the grout through the drill assembly out of the bit and into the ring, and which also includes, after pumping the chemical packer and grout into the ring, setting up the chemical packer, removing the drill string and leaving the bit down the well.

<img file="MX336480B_D0063.tif" />

Institute

156. The modality 155 method, which further comprises pumping cement before the Chemical Packer Property to place cement around any free coating. industrial

157. The method of any of the modalities 138 to 156, which further comprises transforming the compacted solids mixture into a permeable gravel package.

158. A method, comprising: combining a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids to form a slurry, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes so that a volume fraction Compacted (PVF) exceeds 0.75, preferably exceeds 0.8, wherein the solids mixture comprises at least one holding agent PSD mode and one fines PSD mode; circulate the grout through a hole to form a support agent package from depositing the solid mixture in one or both of a fracture in a formation and a ring between a screen and the hole; contact the fines in the package with a dispersant; pass fluid through the package to remove fines from the package.

159. The method of modality 158, where the dispersant is present in the grout.

160. The method of embodiment 158, wherein contacting the fines with the dispersant comprises displacing the carrier fluid from the support agent package with another fluid comprising the dispersant.

161. The method of any of the modalities 158 to 160, wherein contacting the fines with the dispersant comprises circulating a fluid comprising the dispersant in the hole after forming the package.

162. The method of any of modalities 158 to 161, wherein contacting the fines with the dispersant comprises pouring a fluid comprising the dispersant into contact with the package after the package is formed.

163. The method of any one of modalities 158 to 162, wherein the dispersant comprises a polyelectrolyte.

164. The method of any one of modalities 158 to 163, wherein the dispersant comprises polysulfonate, polycarboxylate, or a combination thereof.

165. The method of any one of embodiments 158 to 164, wherein the dispersant comprises lignosulfonate, polymelamine sulfonate, polystyrene sulfonate, polynaphthalene sulfonate, or a combination thereof.

<img file="MX336480B_D0064.tif" />

166. The method of any of the modalities 158 to 165, where the dispersant comprises ..

R / i and yes i CX to Pollnaphthalene Sulfonate. d © Id

166A. The method of any one of modalities 158 to 166, wherein the dispersant comprises polyacrylate having a weighted average molecular weight less than 10,000 Dalton

167. The method of any one of modalities 158 to 166A, wherein the dispersant comprises an anionic, cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant.

168. The method of any one of modalities 158 to 167, wherein the dispersant comprises a nonionic surfactant and preferably the carrier fluid comprises brine.

169. The system of any one of modalities 158 to 168, wherein a ratio of the weight of the dispersant to the fines is from about 1: 500 to about 10:90.

170. The method of any of the modalities 158 to 169, wherein the fines comprise silica.

171. The method of any of the modalities 158 to 170, wherein the fines comprise calcium carbonate.

172. The method of any of the modalities 158 to 171, where the fines are agglomerated in the grout.

173. The method of any of the modalities 158 to 172, where the slurry comprises a volume fraction of the solids of approximately 0.45 up to the PVF.

174. The method of any of the modalities 158 to 173, wherein the slurry comprises a volume fraction of the carrier fluid from (1-PVF) to 0.55, preferably 2.5 * (1-PVF).

175. The method of any of the modes 158 to 174, wherein the holding agent PSD mode is 100 to 2000 mlcron and the fines PSD mode is 1 to 20 microns.

176. The method of any of the modalities 158 to 175, wherein the holding agent PSD mode is 18 to 900 times larger than the fines PSD mode.

177. The method of any of the modalities 158 to 176, wherein the grout further comprises one or more intermediate PSD modes selected from the group consisting of PSD modes 2 to 60 times smaller than the holding agent PSD mode, PSD modes 1.1 to 60 times larger than the Fine PSD mode, and combinations of these.

178. The method of mode 177, wherein at least one of the intermediate PSD modes is degradable, and further comprising degrading the at least one degradable intermediate PSD mode after the packet is formed.

<img file="MX336480B_D0065.tif" />

Institute

179. The method of any of the modalities 177 to 178, where the modes of Mexican PSD to the Property

Intermediates Include a relatively larger PSD mode and a relatively smaller Industrial intermediate PSD mode, where the largest Intermediate PSD mode is 2 to 15 times smaller than the holding agent PSD mode and 1.25 to 15 times larger than the smallest Intermediate PSD mode, and where the smallest Intermediate mode is 1.1 to 15 times larger than the fines PSD mode.

179A. The mode 179 method, further comprising an average intermediate PSD mode 1.5 to 4 times smaller than the largest intermediate PSD mode and 1.25 to 2.5 times larger than the smallest PSD mode.

180. The method of the 179 or 179A mode, wherein the larger Intermediate PSD mode is degradable, and further comprising degrading the larger Intermediate PSD mode after the packet is formed.

181. The method of any of the modalities 158 to 180, where at least 70 percent of the fines are extracted from the package.

182. The method of any of the modalities 158 to 181, which further comprises producing fluid from the reservoir through the clean package within the hole.

183. The method of any of the modalities 158 to 182, which comprises gravel packaging in which the grout is circulated in the hole at a speed less than approximately 800

L / mln (5 BPM), preferably to avoid fracturing the formation.

184. The method of any of the embodiments 158 to 183, wherein the carrier fluid is a low viscosity fluid free of viscosifier or comprising a viscosifier in an amount less than 2.4 g of viscosifier per liter of carrier fluid (20 lb / 1000 gal ).

185. A system, comprising: a hole in continuous communication with an underground formation; a gravel packing slurry comprising a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF ) exceeds 0.75, preferably exceeds 0.8, wherein the solids mixture comprises at least one holding agent PSD mode and one fines PSD mode; a pump to circulate the slurry into the pit to deposit the solids mixture and form a holding agent package in one or both of a fracture formation and a ring between a sieve and

<img file="MX336480B_D0066.tif" />

the formation; and an effective dispersant source to facilitate the return flow of k from the package.

<img file="MX336480B_D0067.tif" />

Industries

186. The modality 185 system, where the dispersant is present in the grout.

187. The system of modality 185 or 186, wherein the dispersant source comprises a clearing fluid or dispersing circulation.

188. The system of any of the modalities 185 to 187, wherein the dispersant comprises a polyelectrolyte.

189. The system of any one of modalities 185 to 188, wherein the dispersant comprises polysulfonate, polycarboxylate, or a combination thereof.

190. The system of any one of modalities 185 to 189, wherein the dispersant comprises lignosulfonate, polymelamine sulfonate, polystyrene sulfonate, polynaphthalene sulfonate, or a combination thereof.

191. The system of any of the modalities 185 to 190, wherein the dispersant comprises polynaphthalene sulfonate.

191A. The system of any one of modalities 185 to 191, wherein the dispersant comprises polyacrylate having a weighted average molecular weight of less than 10,000 Daltons.

192. The system of any one of modalities 185 to 191A, wherein the dispersant comprises an anionic, cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant.

193. The system of any one of the modalities 185 to 192, wherein the dispersant comprises a nonionic surfactant and preferably the carrier fluid comprises brine.

194. The system of any of the modalities 185 to 193, where a ratio of the weight of the dispersant with respect to the fines is from approximately 1: 500 to approximately 10:90.

195. The system of any of the modalities 185 to 194, where the fines comprise silica.

196. The system of any of the modalities 185 to 195, where the fines comprise calcium carbonate.

197. The system of any of the modalities 185 to 196, where the fines are agglomerated in the grout.

198. The system of any of the modalities 185 to 197, where the slurry comprises a volume fraction of the solids of approximately 0.45 up to the PVF.

199. The system of any of the modalities 185 to 198, wherein the slurry comprises a volume fraction of the carrier fluid from (1 - PVF) to 0.55, preferably 2.5 * (1-PVF).

<img file="MX336480B_D0068.tif" />

200. The system of any one of the modalities 185 to 199, where the support agj PSD mode is 100 to 2000 microns and the fines PSD mode is 1 to 20 microns. the property

201. The system of any of the modalities 185 to 200, wherein the support PSD mode is 18 to 900 times larger than the fines PSD mode.

202. The system of any of the modes 185 to 201, wherein the grout further comprises one or more intermediate PSD modes selected from the group consisting of: PSD modes 2 to 60 times smaller than the holding agent PSD mode , PSD modes 1.1 to 60 times larger than the Fine PSD mode, and combinations of these.

203. The mode 202 system, where at least one of the intermediate PSD modes is degradable.

204. The mode 202 or 203 system, where the intermediate PSD modes include a relatively larger intermediate PSD mode and a relatively smaller intermediate PSD mode, preferably where the largest intermediate PSD mode is from 2 to 15 times smaller than the holding agent PSD mode and 1.25 to 15 times larger than the smallest intermediate PSD mode, and where the smallest intermediate mode is 1.1 to 15 times larger than the fines PSD mode.

205. The mode 204 system, further comprising an average intermediate PSD mode 1.5 to 4 times smaller than the largest intermediate PSD mode and 1.25 to 2.5 times larger than the smallest PSD mode.

206. The mode 204 or 205 system, where the relatively larger intermediate PSD mode is degradable.

207. The system of any one of modalities 185 to 206, wherein the carrier fluid is a low viscosity fluid free of viscosifier or comprising a viscosifier in an amount less than 2.4 g of viscosifier per liter of carrier fluid (20 lb / 1000 gal ).

208. A slurry, comprising: a mixture of solids in a carrier fluid, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a first, second, third, and fourth volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes so that a volume fraction compacted (PVF) of the solids mixture is greater than 0.75, preferably greater than 0.80; a volume fraction of solids (SVF) of the slurry less than the PVF of the solids mixture; wherein the first PSD mode is at least three times larger than the second PSD mode, the second PSD mode is larger than the third PSD mode, and the third PSD mode is

<img file="MX336480B_D0069.tif" />

Institute larger than the fourth PSD mode, and where at least one of the second and third Mexican modes of ProDlodad

PSD is less than 3 times larger than the respective third or fourth PSD mode. Industrial

209. The grout of embodiment 208, wherein the solids mixture further comprises a fifth mode of PSD, wherein the fourth mode of PSD is larger than the fifth mode of PSD, and preferably less than 3 times larger than the fifth mode of PSD.

210. Mode 208 grout, wherein the first PSD mode is 3 to 10 times larger than the second PSD mode (preferably from about 5 to about 7, more preferably from about 5.4 to about 6.9, especially about 5.6 to about 6.6 times larger than the second PSD mode), the second PSD mode is 1.5 to 4 times larger than the third PSD mode (preferably about 2 to about 2.4 times larger than the third PSD mode), and the third PSD mode is at least 1.25 times more bigger than the fourth way

PSD.

211. The mode 210 slurry, wherein the solids mixture further comprises a fifth PSD mode, wherein the fourth PSD mode is at least 1.1 times larger than the fifth PSD mode.

212. Slurry of any one of modes 208 to 211, where the first PSD mode is from about 422 microns to about 853 microns (20/40 mesh), the second PSD mode is from about 60 microns to about 180 microns (preferably from about 100 microns to about 150 microns), the third PSD mode is from about 25 microns to about 70 microns (preferably from about 40 microns to about 60 microns), and the fourth PSD mode is from about 1 micron to about 40 microns.

213. The Mode 212 slurry, wherein the solids mixture further comprises a fifth PSD mode smaller than the fourth PSD mode, wherein the fifth PSD mode is from about 1 micron to about 25 microns.

214. The slurry of any of the modes 208 to 213, wherein the solids mixture further comprises a fifth mode of PSD smaller than the fourth mode of PSD, where the fifth mode of PSD is at least 1 micron and the first mode of PSD is from about 422 microns (40 mesh) to about 853 microns (20 mesh).

<img file="MX336480B_D0070.tif" />

Mfufo

215. The slurry of any of the modalities 208 to 214, where the second mode of PS ^ S ^ CCinO comprises a total SVF of 5 to 30 percent (preferably 10 to 20 percent, preferably 10 to 15 percent ), the third PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 3 to 20 percent (preferably 3 to 10 percent), and the fourth PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 5 to 40 percent (preferably 10 to 30 per cent), based on a total SVF of the first PSD mode.

216. Mode 215 slurry, wherein the solids mixture further comprises a fifth PSD mode smaller than the fourth PSD mode, wherein the fifth PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 1 to 40 percent, based on a Total SVF of the first PSD mode.

217. The slurry of any one of modes 208 to 216, wherein the second PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 5 to 30, preferably 10 to 20, percent of a total SVF of the first PSD mode; the third PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 10 to 100, preferably 30 to 60, percent of the total SVF of the second PSD mode; and the fourth PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 10 to 500, preferably 100 to 400, percent of the total SVF of the third PSD mode.

218. Mode 217 grout, wherein the solids mixture further comprises a fifth PSD mode, wherein the fifth PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 20 to 100, preferably 30 to 80, percent of the total SVF for the fourth PSD mode.

219. The slurry of any of the modalities 208 to 218, wherein the first PSD mode comprises a total SVF of 60 to 80 percent of the total SVF of the solids mixture.

220. Mode 208 grout, where the first PSD mode is between 20 and 40 mesh (422 - 853 pm), the second PSD mode is from about 100 pm to about 280 pm and, the third PSD mode is from approximately 15 pm to 60 pm, and the fourth PSD mode is approximately 1 pm to 25 pm.

221. The mode 220 slurry, further comprising a fifth PSD mode wherein the fourth PSD mode is larger than the fifth PSD mode.

222. The grout of any one of modes 208 to 221, wherein the grout further comprises a fluid loss agent to inhibit grout leakage.

223. The grout of embodiment 222, wherein the fluid loss agent is selected from the group consisting of: latex dispersions, water soluble polymers, submicron particles, particles with an aspect ratio higher than 6, and combinations thereof .

Industries

<img file="MX336480B_D0071.tif" />

Institute

224. The slurry of embodiment 222 or 223, wherein the proprietary flMBXlcane loss agent comprises an interlaced polyvinyl alcohol ml microgel. Industrial

225. The slurry of any one of modalities 222 to 224, wherein the fluid loss agent further comprises AMPS.

226. The slurry of any of the modalities 208 to 225, where the mixture of solids comprises a PVF of at least 0.85, 0.90, 0.95,0.96, 0.97, 0.98 or 0.99.

227. The grout of any one of modes 208 to 226, wherein at least one of the second, third, or fourth PSD modes comprises a degradable material.

228. The grout of embodiment 227, wherein the solids mixture comprises a reactive material.

229. The slurry of any one of modes 208 to 226, wherein the solids mixture further comprises a fifth PSD mode, wherein at least one of the second, third, fourth, or fifth PSD modes comprises a degradable material.

230. The slurry of embodiment 229, wherein the solids mixture comprises a reactive material.

231. A method, which comprises: combining a mixture of solids and a carrier fluid to form the slurry of any of the modalities 208 to 230; and positioning a screen in a hole and circulating the grout through the hole in any order so that the mixture of solids is deposited between the screen and the hole.

232. The method of modality 231, where the grout is circulated in a horizontal part of the hole from tip to heel.

233. The method of any of the modalities 231 to 232, wherein the slurry is circulated in the hole at a pressure less than the fracture pressure.

2. 3. 4. The method of any of the modalities 231 to 233, where the slurry is circulated in the hole at a speed of less than 800 L / mln (5 BPM).

235. The method of claiming any one of the embodiments 231 to 234, wherein the grout is circulated in the pit through a flush pipe, wherein a sieve-pit ring has a relatively smaller radial thickness than a radial thickness of one pipe wash ring.

236. The method of any of the modalities 231 to 256, where the grout is circulated in a horizontal part of the well from tip to heel.

<img file="MX336480B_D0072.tif" />

Yes WUÍQ

237. The method of any of the modalities 231 to 257, where the first, second ^^ '^^ Q third, fourth and any other particles in the grout are formed in a pack &lt;á ^ lAff®P' © S¡a ^ Industrial ring between the sieve and the hole.

238. The method of embodiment 258, which further comprises converting the package into a permeable gravel package comprising the first amount of particles.

239. A system, comprising: a hole in continuous communication with an underground formation; a gravel packing slurry comprising the slurry of any one of modes 208 to 230; a pump to circulate the grout into the hole and a working string to position a screen in the hole in any order to deposit the grout in one or both of a fracture in the formation and a ring between the screen and the formation; and means for converting the deposited grout into a gravel pack.

240. The system of modalities 239, further comprising a flush pipe for circulating the slurry through the screen, wherein a screen-pit ring has a relatively smaller radial thickness than a radial thickness of a flush-screen pipe ring.

241. A system, comprising: a hole in continuous communication with an underground formation; a gravel packing slurry comprising a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids, wherein the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF ) exceeds 0.75, preferably exceeds 0.8, where the solids mixture comprises at least one holding agent PSD mode, one fines PSD mode, and one or more intermediate PSD modes selected from the group consisting of: PSD modes 2 to 60 times smaller than the holding agent PSD mode, PSD modes 1.1 to 60 times larger than the PSD mode of fines, and combinations thereof, where any two of the support agent intermediate and fines PSD modes have a size ratio of less than 3; and a pump to circulate the slurry into the hole to deposit the solids mixture and form a holding agent package in one or both of a fracture in the formation and a ring between a screen and the formation.

242. The mode 241 system, where the intermediate PSD modes include a relatively larger Intermediate PSD mode and a relatively smaller intermediate PSD mode, preferably where the largest Intermediate PSD mode is 2 to 15 times more smaller than the bra agent PSD mode and 1.25 to 15 times larger than

<img file="MX336480B_D0073.tif" />

the smallest intermediate PSD mode, and where the smallest intermediate mode is 1.11 d

at 15 times bigger than the fine PSD mode.

243. The mode 241 system, further comprising an average intermediate PSD mode 1.5 to 4 times smaller than the largest intermediate PSD mode and 1.25 to 2.5 times larger than the smallest PSD mode.

244. The mode 242 or 243 system, wherein at least one intermediate PSD mode is degradable, preferably the relatively larger PSD mode.

245. A method, comprising: combining a carrier fluid and a mixture of solids to form a slurry, where the mixture of solids comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a compacted volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75 , preferably exceeds 0.8, where the solids mixture comprises at least one holding agent PSD mode, a fines PSD mode, and one or more intermediate PSD modes selected from the group consisting of: PSD modes 2 to 60 times smaller than the holding agent PSD mode, PSD modes 1.1 to 60 times larger than the fines PSD mode, and combinations of these, where any two of the modes of support agent PSD, intermediates and fines have a size ratio less than 3; and circulating the grout through a hole to form a holding agent package from depositing the solid mixture in one or both of a fracture in a formation and a ring between a screen and the hole.

246. The mode 245 method, wherein the Intermediate PSD modes include a relatively larger intermediate PSD mode and a relatively smaller intermediate PSD mode, preferably where the largest intermediate PSD mode is 2 to 15 times more smaller than the holding agent PSD mode and 1.25 to 15 times larger than the smallest intermediate PSD mode, and where the smallest intermediate mode is 1.1 to 15 times larger than the fines PSD mode .

247. The mode 246 method, further comprising an average intermediate PSD mode 1.5 to 4 times smaller than the largest intermediate PSD mode and 1.25 to 2.5 times larger than the smallest PSD mode.

248. The mode 246 or 247 method, wherein at least one intermediate PSD mode is degradable, preferably the relatively larger PSD mode.

<img file="MX336480B_D0074.tif" />

Insííttóe

EXAMPLES M © XS © QFW

Example 1: A 1 g sample of AI (OH)₃ 20ml of deionized water (DI) was added. The industry mix was measured and turned out to be 7.7. AI (OH) particles₃ They were insoluble in DI water at this pH and the mixture was a milky white grout. The pH of the solution was raised to 11.8 by adding 1.5 ml of 50 wt% NaOH and AI (OH)₃ it dissolved, producing a clear solution.

Example 2: A 1 g sample of AI (OH)₃ It was added to 20 ml of DI water to form a cloudy slurry as in Example 1. The pH of the mixture was measured and turned out to be 7.2. The pH of the mixture was lowered by adding 9ml of 5 wt% HCI. After 18 hours, the AI ​​(OH)₃ it was completely dissolved and the resulting solution was clear.

Example 3: A slurry containing sand and salt particles was made using a saturated sodium chloride solution (density = 1.2 g / mL (10 ppg)) as a carrier fluid. The volume fraction and the size of the salt particles were as shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Volume fractions in a saturated brine slurry

<td>Component (PSD Medium)</td><td>Volume fraction</td><td>TOTAL</td>

<td>Sand</td><td> 49%</td><td>443.8 g</td>

<td>NaCI crystals (115 microns)</td><td> 8%</td><td>59.4 g</td>

<td>NaCI crystals (5 microns)</td><td> 16%</td><td>118.8 g</td>

<td>NaCI brine (1.2 g / mL (ioppg))</td><td> 27%</td><td>90 mi</td>

The grout was stable and when it was contacted with fresh water, the salt particles in the grout dissolved, leaving a packet of porous sand.

EXAMPLE 4: The return flow of fines was investigated using an experimental setup consisting of a 51 mm (2 in.) Long gravel package containing 20% ​​fines by volume of the gravel in a tube of ID of 25 mm (1 in.) Embedded between clean gravel packs with no fines on both sides. The clean gravel packs served to distribute the flow and eliminate extreme effects at the inlet and outlet. A displacement fluid was injected at 5 ml / min or 15 ml / min for 30 min and the mass of fines remaining in the package was measured at the end of the run. The displacement fluid was 2% by weight aqueous KCI unless otherwise specified. The gravel was a support agent for

Instiíwío

CARBOLITE 20/40 mesh (620 microns) or 16/20 mesh (1015 microns). The fines were 2 micron calcium carbonate. The results are presented in Table 2 below.

Table 2. CaCO3 Cleanup as a Function of Gravel Size and Flow Rate (Dispersant Free)

<td>Return flow rate, ml / min</td><td>Fine</td><td>Tama year of the gravel</td><td>Gravel mass, g</td><td>Fine initials, g</td><td>Fine endings, g</td><td>Clean to,%</td>

<td rowspan="2"> 5</td><td rowspan="2">CaCO3 (2 pm)</td><td> 20/40</td><td> 29.36</td><td> 6.66</td><td> 6.46</td><td> 3.0</td>

<td> 16/20</td><td> 33.66</td><td> 7.59</td><td> 6.95</td><td> 8.4</td>

<td rowspan="2"> 15</td><td rowspan="2">CaCO3 (2 pm)</td><td> 20/40</td><td> 34.16</td><td> 7.93</td><td> 6.5</td><td> 18.0</td>

<td> 16/20</td><td> 34.16</td><td> 6.96</td><td> 6.25</td><td> 10.2</td>

These results showed that the calcium carbonate fines do not flow easily out of the gravel pack. The return flow tests were then repeated under different conditions as shown in Table 3 below.

<img file="MX336480B_D0075.tif" />

Table 3. CaCO cleaning₃ by return flow

<td colspan="11"></td>

<td>Run Going num</td><td>Gravel (620 4m), g</td><td>Thief₃(125 Rm), g</td><td>Thief₃(2 pm), g</td><td>Mixing fluid (10 mL)</td><td>Fluid of displacement amient or</td><td>They scatter you, my</td><td>Return flow rate d, ml / min</td><td>Time, min</td><td>Cleaning*,'' %</td><td rowspan="8"></td>

<td> 4-1</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 12.5</td><td>GAVE</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 13</td>

<td> 4-2</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 12.5</td><td>GAVE</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.1</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 98</td>

<td> 4-3</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 12.5</td><td>2% KCI</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.1</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 41</td>

<td> 4-4</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 12.5</td><td>2% KCI</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.4</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 99</td>

<td> 4-5</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 12.5</td><td>2% TMAC</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.1</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 73</td>

<td> 4-6</td><td> 50</td><td> 6</td><td> 12.5</td><td>GAVE</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.1</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 44</td>

<td> 4-7</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 24.6</td><td>GAVE</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.2</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 72</td>

Notes:

DI = deionized water

TMAC = Dispersant Tetramethylammonium Chloride = Polynaphthalene Sulfonate

Runs 4-1 and 4-2 showed that adding a small amount (1%) of dispersant, polynaphthalene sulfonate, increases the fines return flow from 13% to 98%. In these runs the fines were mixed with gravel using deionized water (DI) as a carrier. In Run 4-3, when the grout was made using 2% KCI, cleanliness was reduced to 41%. However, by increasing the dispersant concentration with the 2% KCI carrier fluid in Run 4-4, cleanliness increased from 41% to 99%. Similar results were observed in Run 4-5 when the slurry was made with 2% tetramethylammonium chloride (TMAC).

In Run 4-6, the conditions in Run 4-2 were repeated except that the gravel pack also included 6 g of 125 micron calcium carbonate. Fines extraction using the same amount of dispersant was not as fast but was much more improved over the case without dispersant, Run 4-1, which suggests that the additional dispersant would obtain comparable cleaning with and without the presence of PSD mode intermediate. In Run 4-7, the amounts of calcium carbonate fines and dispersants each doubled, and the fines cleaning was

<img file="MX336480B_D0076.tif" />

<img file="MX336480B_D0077.tif" />

only slightly reduced from Run 4-2, but again greatly improved₍ Compared to Run 4-1 without dispersant. The data in Table 3 thus demonstrates that the return flow of the calcium carbonate fines can be facilitated by the presence of a relatively small amount of dispersant.

Example 5: Return flow tests similar to Example 4 were then run using 2 micron silica fines, with the conditions and results shown below in Table 4.

Table 4 SiO Cleaning₂ by return flow

<td>Run Going num</td><td>Gravel (620 pm), g</td><td>SiO₂(150 pm), g</td><td>SiO₂(2 P^m), g</td><td>Mixing fluid (10 mL)</td><td>Displacement fluid</td><td>They scatter you, my</td><td>Return flow rate d, ml / min</td><td>Tiem po, min</td><td>Clean to,%</td>

<td> 5-1</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 12.5</td><td>GAVE</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 8</td>

<td> 5-2</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 12.5</td><td>GAVE</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.1</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 70</td>

<td> 5-3</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 12.5</td><td>2% TMAC</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.1</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 18</td>

<td> 5-4</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 12.5</td><td>2% TMAC</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.1</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 17</td>

<td> 5-5</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 12.5</td><td>2% TMAC</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.2</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 23</td>

<td> 5-6</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 12.5</td><td>2% TMAC</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.6</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 72</td>

<td> 5-7</td><td> 50</td><td> 6</td><td> 12.5</td><td>GAVE</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.1</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 72</td>

<td> 5-8</td><td> 50</td><td></td><td> 12.5</td><td>GAVE</td><td>2% KCI</td><td> 0.2</td><td> 1</td><td> 105</td><td> 83</td>

Notes:

DI = deionized water

TMAC = Dispersant Tetramethylammonium Chloride = Polynaphthalene Sulfonate

Runs 5-1 and 5-2, with and without dispersant, show that return flow results can be significantly improved by dispersing SiO fines₂ using polynaphthalene sulfonate. Similar to the calcium carbonate fines in Example 4, when the gravel pack was prepared using 2% TMAC in Runs 5-3 to 5-6, it was observed that the return flow results could be improved by increasing the concentration dispersant with respRr ^ a

I made the fines.

In Run 5-7, where the gravel pack included a 150 micron silica intermediate PSD mode, the return flow of the fine silica particles was not affected by the presence of the medium particles. Theoretically, the pore space of spheres with a diameter of 150 microns is 25 microns, which should not restrict 2 micron dispersed particles.

Run 5-8 with displacement fluid at 1 ml / min showed that although the fines return flow occurred at a slower rate, 83% cleanliness was obtained after 105 min.

Example 6: Return flow tests similar to Examples 4 and 5 were then run using 5 micron sodium chloride salt fines in NaCI saturated brine (1.2 g / mL (10 lb / gal)), with the conditions and results shown below in Table 5.

Table 5. Cleaning of NaCI by return flow

<td>Run Going num</td><td>Gravel (620 pm), g</td><td>NaCI (5 pm), g</td><td>Fluid mix (10 mL)</td><td>Displacement fluid</td><td>Return flow rate, ml / min</td><td>Weather, min</td><td>Cleanliness,%</td>

<td> 6-1</td><td> 50</td><td> 10.18</td><td>NaCI brine</td><td>NaCI brine</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 68</td>

<td> 6-2</td><td> 50</td><td> 19.6</td><td>NaCI brine</td><td>NaCI brine</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 41</td>

The saturated brine was used for slurry and displacement to avoid dissolution of the 15 fines in these runs, although in practice any sub-saturation of the displacement fluid improves fines extraction by dissolving the fines. Although as a percentage of fines extraction was faster in Run 6-1 using 10.18 g of NaCI in the gravel pack than in Run 6-2, the gross total fines were extracted faster in Run 6-2 with finer in the gravel package; and the fine cleaning is practically complete on Run 6-2 if the return flow is extended to 72 hours.

Example 7: The use of a separator to inhibit leakage within a screen was investigated using a screen fit technique. In Run 7-1, a 0.3 wt% guar solution was placed in a beaker, and a cylindrical sieve with a 5 gauge sieve element and a length exceeding the height of the beaker was inserted into the solution in a Vertical orientation. Guar's solution

<img file="MX336480B_D0078.tif" />

Institute

Mexican immediately filled the inside of the sieve and did not change the liquid level in the RingFtopledac! sieve and the wall of the glass. IndUStflOl

In Run 7-2, the experiment was repeated with the addition of 0.9 wt% polyglycolic acid (PGA) having a median particle size of 150 microns (d50 = 150pm) in the guar solution. The level of liquid in the sieve-beaker ring increased when the sieve was inserted, and even after 1.5 hours only a small volume of the separator leaked into the sieve.

In Run 7-3, the experiment was repeated using a trimodal slurry having the composition set forth in Table 6, without using any separating fluid.

Table 6. Composition of the grout for Runs 7-3 and 7-4

<td>Component</td><td>Particle size (pm)</td><td>Volume (me)</td><td>Weight (g)</td>

<td>Ottawa Arena</td><td>d50 = 600</td><td> 335</td><td> 888</td>

<td>Silica</td><td>d50 = 30</td><td> 56.6</td><td> 150</td>

<td>Silica</td><td>d50 = 3</td><td> 109.4</td><td> 290</td>

<td>DI water</td><td> -</td><td> 190</td><td> 190</td>

The sieve was inserted into the grout and moved up and down in an alternate motion on the grout. After three repetitions, the slurry was dehydrated due to leakage inside the screen and the screen was stuck in the solids mixture.

In Run 7-4, the experiment was repeated using the slurry from Table 6 in the bottom of the beaker and the runoff fluid from Run 7-2 floating above the slurry. The screen was inserted into the grout by passing it through the separating fluid. After 15 repetitions of reciprocating motion, the grout remained fluid, the screen could still move in the grout, and very little fluid leaked into the screen from the grout. These data show that contacting the screen with a separating fluid containing a bridging degradable particle prior to contact of the multimodal slurry was effective in inhibiting fluid leakage from the multimodal slurry to maintain the fluidity of the slurry.

Example 8: The design of a high solids grout was investigated to inhibit leakage within a screen by bridging the screen. Two trimodal grouts were prepared through the use of the compositions in Table 7.

ffl

<img file="MX336480B_D0079.tif" />

Table 7. Composition of the grout for Runs 8-1 and 8-2

<td>Component</td><td>Particle size (d50, pm)</td><td>Cumshot 8-1 (g)</td><td>Run 8-2 (g)</td>

<td>Sand</td><td> 600</td><td> 888</td><td></td>

<td>Sand</td><td> 280</td><td></td><td> 888</td>

<td>Silica</td><td> 30</td><td> 150</td><td> 150</td>

<td>Silica</td><td> 3</td><td> 290</td><td> 290</td>

<td>DI water</td><td> -</td><td> 190</td><td> 190</td>

SncMric

A 5-gauge closed-end sieve was inserted into two grouts and moved up and down in an alternate motion on the grouts, in the same manner as in Example 7. In the slurry of Run 8-1 the sieve clogged after 3 repetitions, while in Run 8-2 the sieve was mobile in the grout even after 10 repetitions. In Run 8-2, small particle bridges were observed on the screen during the reciprocating motion. This example shows that the slurry from Run 8-2 controls leaks within the screen, thereby maintaining its fluidity during the screen fitting process, or during the placement of the grout in the first screen process.

Example 9: The design of a four particle high solids slurry was investigated using standard gravel sizes (20/40 mesh) to inhibit leakage within a screen by bridging the screen. In an Initial test protocol, a fluid loss experiment was conducted in a syringe by loading 30 ml of slurry into a 60 ml syringe fitted with a 60 mesh screen (250 pm openings) at the outlet. The plunger was moved to the 50 ml mark on the syringe and the jet was measured on a scale, after measurement of the jet, the syringe was turned upside down and the thickness of the filter cake collected on the sieve was measured. Multimodal slurries were prepared by using the compositions in Table 8. Jet stream and filter cake thickness of three slurries made with CARBOLITE 20/40 as a coarse particle are shown in Table 8 for Runs 9-1. , 9-2 and 9-3. The thickness of the filter cake was reported as the volume occupied in the 60 ml syringe. Since the initial volume of grout in the syringe was 30 ml, a filter cake thickness of 30 ml indicated that the grout lost all of its liquid content and what remained in the syringe was practically a solid plug. The results in Table 8 show that varying the mean particle size from 32 pm to 125 pm to 200 pm did not help control leakage. In the three slurries of Runs 9-1, 9-2 and 9-3, the

<img file="MX336480B_D0080.tif" />

ΊΖ liquid required to maintain the self-dispersing grout was lost in leaving behind a thick filter cake.

Industrial

Table 8 Grout Composition and Jet Results for Runs 9-1 to 9-6

<td>Component</td><td>Cumshot 9-1</td><td>Cumshot 9-2</td><td>Cumshot 9-3</td><td>Cumshot 9-4</td><td>Cumshot 9-5</td><td>Cumshot 9-6</td>

<td>CARBOLITE (20/40, 620 pm), g</td><td> 100</td><td> 100</td><td> 100</td><td> 50</td><td> 50</td><td> 50</td>

<td>CARBOLITE (40/70, 300 pm), g</td><td></td><td></td><td> 16</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Silica (200 pm), g</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td> 6</td><td> 6</td><td></td>

<td>CaCO3 (125 pm), g</td><td> 16</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Silica (32 pm), g</td><td></td><td> 16</td><td></td><td> 8</td><td></td><td> 15</td>

<td>Silica (3 pm), g</td><td></td><td> 33</td><td></td><td> 16</td><td> 24</td><td> 16</td>

<td>CaCO3 (2 pm), g</td><td> 33</td><td></td><td> 33</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>DI water, g</td><td> 24</td><td> 22</td><td> 22</td><td> 10</td><td> 10</td><td> 10.4</td>

<td>Polynaphthalene sulfonate, mi</td><td> 0.1</td><td></td><td> 0.1</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td colspan="7">Jet results</td>

<td>Jet, g</td><td> 6.00</td><td> 10</td><td> 10</td><td> 0.34</td><td> 9.0</td><td> 7.4</td>

<td>Cake, my</td><td> 30</td><td> 30</td><td> 30</td><td> 5</td><td> 30</td><td> 30</td>

After performing leak experiments with various combinations of trimodal particles, it was found that an additional particle in the 200 pm size range was able to stop the flow of 32 pm and 2 pm particles out of the 20 / mesh gravel pack. 40. In the leak results in Run 9-4 with the four particle system including an additional 200 µm particle, the jet stream and filter cake thickness were significantly reduced. Runs 9-5 and 910 6 omitted either the 32 pm particles or the 200 pm particles, and the jet and filter cake thickness increased significantly, showing that the presence of both the 200 pm and 32 pm particles retained fines and liquid content in the grout. These results suggest that the bottom three sizes form an effective bridge in the 20/40 CARBOLITE package where the 200 pm particles fill the void space of the 20/40 gravel, the 32 pm particles fill the void space of the particles. 200 pm and 3 pm particles occupy the empty space of the 32 pm particles.

<img file="MX336480B_D0081.tif" />

In Additional Runs 9-7 through 9-12, the amounts of the 200 particles were varied from the 32 pm particles and the results are listed in Table 9.

Um Institute and dM® ^ CanO ae Industrial Property

Table 9. Composition of the slurry and jet results for Runs 9-6 to 9-12

<td>Component</td><td>Run 9-6</td><td>Run 9-7</td><td>Run 9-8</td><td>Run 9-9</td><td>Run 9-10</td><td>Run 9-11</td><td>Run 9-12</td>

<td>CARBOLITE (20/40, 620 Rm), g</td><td> 50</td><td> 50</td><td> 50</td><td> 50</td><td> 50</td><td> 50</td><td> 50</td>

<td>Silica (200 pm), g</td><td> 6</td><td> 10</td><td> 14</td><td> 2</td><td> 6</td><td> 6</td><td> 6</td>

<td>Silica (32 pm), g</td><td> 8</td><td> 8</td><td> 8</td><td> 8</td><td> 12</td><td> 15</td><td> 4</td>

<td>Silica (3 pm), g</td><td> 16</td><td> 16</td><td> 16</td><td> 16</td><td> 16</td><td> 16</td><td> 16</td>

<td>DI water, g</td><td> 10</td><td> 10</td><td> 10.5</td><td> 9.5</td><td> 10</td><td> 10</td><td> 10</td>

<td colspan="8">Jet results</td>

<td>Jet, g</td><td> 0.34</td><td> 0.16</td><td> 0.04</td><td> 1.64</td><td> 0.19</td><td> 0.01</td><td> 0.64</td>

<td>Cake, my</td><td> 5</td><td> 5</td><td> 5</td><td> 20</td><td> 5</td><td> 3</td><td> 10</td>

These data indicate that the jet and filter cake increase when the ratio of either the 200 pm or 32 pm particles decreased over the concentrations evaluated, and that the proportions of each particle can be adjusted to optimize (minimize) the jet and filter cake and maintain the smoothness and fluidity of the grout during grouting and / or sieving.

Example 10: The capacity of the four particle high solids slurry from Run 9-11 was investigated, using standard gravel size (20/40 mesh) and having the solids composition listed in Table 10 plus a fluid loss additive, to inhibit leaks within a screen under high differential pressure conditions. These experiments were conducted in a commercial high temperature, high pressure (HTHP) fluid loss cell by placing a 12 gauge screen coupon at one end of the cell and loading the slurry on top of the screen. Leak tests were conducted by applying 3.45 MPa (500 psi) differential pressure with N2 gas over a period of 30 minutes at room temperature (24C).

<img file="MX336480B_D0082.tif" />

Pressure Institute, ΜθΧίΟΟΠΟ Property

Table 10. Composition of slurry solids for sieve leakage at high

<td>Component</td><td>Weight, g</td><td>Solids volume, mi</td><td>Volume,% of total solids</td>

<td>CARBOLITE (20/40, 620 pm), g</td><td> 200</td><td> 73.8</td><td> 57</td>

<td>Silica (200 pm), g</td><td> 24</td><td> 9.1</td><td> 7</td>

<td>Silica (32 pm), g</td><td> 60</td><td> 22.6</td><td> 17</td>

<td>Silica (3 pm), g</td><td> 64</td><td> 24.2</td><td> 19</td>

Industrial

Run 10-1 used a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) slurry as a fluid loss additive, in the form of a 4 wt% aqueous microgel suspension in which the water-dilated microgel particles have a size of about 100 nm. In Run 10-2 a 10 wt% active solution of high molecular weight acrylamido-methylpropane sulfonate polymer (AMPS) was added as a polymeric fluid loss additive in addition to PVOH. Grout compositions and HTHP results are presented in Table 11.

<img file="MX336480B_D0083.tif" />

Table 11. Composition of grout and results of high pressure sieve leakage

Instituto _ Mexfcan provides Property

Industrial

<td>Component / Property</td><td>Run 10-1</td><td>Run 10-2</td><td>Run 10-3</td><td>Run 10-4</td><td>Run 10-5</td><td>Run 10-6</td>

<td>Solids (Table 10), g</td><td> 348</td><td> 348</td><td> 348</td><td> 348</td><td> 348</td><td> 348</td>

<td>4% PVOH Microgel, my</td><td> 40</td><td> 40</td><td> 24</td><td> 22</td><td> 16</td><td> 50</td>

<td>10% AMPS, my</td><td> 0</td><td> 8</td><td> 0</td><td> 0</td><td> 0</td><td> 0</td>

<td>DI water, my</td><td> 52</td><td> 52</td><td> 32</td><td> 52</td><td> 36</td><td> 28</td>

<td>Fraction of solids volume</td><td> 0.58</td><td> 0.56</td><td> 0.70</td><td> 0.62</td><td> 0.72</td><td> 0.62</td>

<td>Fluid loss agent, vol% of liquid</td><td> 43</td><td> 40</td><td> 43</td><td> 30</td><td> 30</td><td> 64</td>

<td colspan="3">Jet results</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Jet, g</td><td> 2.4</td><td> 3.0</td><td> 0</td><td> 0</td><td> 0</td><td> 3.0</td>

<td>15 minutes, g</td><td> 4.6</td><td> 5.0</td><td> 1.6</td><td> 2.4</td><td> 1.8</td><td> 4.4</td>

<td>30 minutes, g</td><td> 5.6</td><td> 6.4</td><td> 2.6</td><td> 3.8</td><td> 3.0</td><td> 5.0</td>

<td>Filter cake, mm (in.)</td><td> 7.1 (0.28)</td><td> 5.6 (0.22)</td><td> 11.2 (0.44)</td><td> 15.1 (0.59)</td><td> 17.6 (0.69)</td><td> 8.0 (0.31)</td>

These data show that leakage can be effectively inhibited even at high differential pressure using a four-particle slurry with a fluid loss additive. At the same fluid loss agent load, the thickness of the filter cake can be reduced by reducing the SVF of the grout. At high SVF, even a small amount of leakage can transform the slurry to a non-mixable state resulting in inefficient cake build-up since particle packing is not efficient at controlling leakage. When slurry disperses well by reducing SVF, transformation to a non-mixable state requires a larger volume of fluid leakage and packaging is also efficient resulting in a thin filter cake. The

Runs 10-1 / 10-3 and 10-4 / 10-5 show the effect of reducing the SVF on the thickness of the filter cake while keeping the relative concentration of the fluid loss agent in the fluid phase constant, that is, the thickness of the filter cake could be reduced by decreasing the SVF. Runs 10-4 / 10-6 show that the thickness of the filter cake could further be reduced by increasing the concentration of the fluid loss agent in the liquid phase while keeping the SVF constant.

, I ΊΜ P

<img file="MX336480B_D0084.tif" />

UJ

Institute

Example li: In addition, the capacity of a grout with high solids content (TO®XICano nelaPropI four particles was investigated, using standard gravel size (20/40 mesh) and having the composition d ^ dustrldl solids listed in Table 12 plus a latex fluid loss additive, to inhibit leakage within a screen under high differential pressure conditions using the test kit and protocol of Example 10.

Table 12. Grout Composition and High Pressure Sieve Leak Results with Latex Fluid Loss Agent

<td>Component / Property</td><td>Cumshot 11</td>

<td>CARBOLITE (20/40, 620 pm), g</td><td> 200</td>

<td>Silica (200 pm), g</td><td> 24</td>

<td>Silica (32 pm), g</td><td> 60</td>

<td>Silica (3 pm), g</td><td> 64</td>

<td>Latex dispersion, mL</td><td> 45</td>

<td>10% AMPS, my</td><td> 8</td>

<td>DI water, my</td><td> 52</td>

<td>SVF</td><td> 0.57</td>

<td>Fluid loss agent, vol% of liquid</td><td> 50</td>

<td colspan="2">Jet results</td>

<td>Jet, mL</td><td> 0.6</td>

<td>15 minutes, mL</td><td> 2.2</td>

<td>30 minutes, mL</td><td> 3.2</td>

<td>Filter cake, mm</td><td> 4.8</td>

Run 11 showed that the latex provides very good fluid loss control and results in a thin filter cake in a four particle slurry.

Example 12: The kit and test protocol of Example 7 was used to demonstrate the sieve fit performance of a four particle grout system. The trimodal and tetramodal grouts were prepared as listed in Table 13.

<img file="MX336480B_D0085.tif" />

<img file="MX336480B_D0086.tif" />

Table 13. Compositions of the grout and sieve fitting results

Institute

Mexican

4eialtopfe &lt;industrial focf

<td>Component / Property</td><td>Cumshot 12-1</td><td>Cumshot 12-2</td>

<td>Grout type</td><td>Trimodal</td><td>Tetramodal</td>

<td>CARBOLITE (20/40, 620 pm), g</td><td> 1600</td><td> 1600</td>

<td>Silica (200 pm), g</td><td> 0</td><td> 384</td>

<td>Silica (32 pm), g</td><td> 267</td><td> 480</td>

<td>Silica (3 pm), g</td><td> 563</td><td> 512</td>

<td>4% PVOH Microgel, my</td><td></td><td> 160</td>

<td>10% AMPS, my</td><td></td><td> 62</td>

<td>DI water, my</td><td> 300</td><td> 416</td>

<td colspan="2">Sieve Fit Results</td><td></td>

<td>Number of lace</td><td> 26</td><td> 30</td>

<td>Fluid entering the sieve, mL</td><td> 150</td><td> 0</td>

If the grout leaks into the screen when it fits into the grout, the grout loses its flow properties and the screen becomes clogged or difficult to move in the grout during alternation. After 26 fittings with the trimodal slurry in Run 12-1, a significant amount of fluid had entered the screen, ie 50% of the total liquid volume in the slurry. The slurry off the screen became dehydrated and had lost its flow properties at the end of the experiment. With the tetramodal slurry and fluid loss agent in Run 12-2, after 30 fittings there was no fluid that had leaked into the screen at the end of the experiment. The tetramodal grout had completely stopped the leak inside the screen.

Example 13: In this example, the effects of varying the size and concentration of the smallest particles in a 4-mode PSD system were investigated. A series of syringe fluid loss tests similar to Example 9 were performed where the particle size and concentration of the second particle were varied. In these tests, the first particle was 20/40 CARBOLITE holding agent (average diameter 770 pm), and the other particles were made from silica. The size and concentration of the second particle were varied, the third particle had an average diameter of 32 pm and the fourth particle had an average diameter of 3 pm. A dry mix was made using the four particles by mixing 50 g of CARBOLITE, xg of the second particle, 5 g of the third particle and 10 g of the fourth particle, where x was 5.5 g, 7 g, 9 g or 12 g . With the dry mix, a slurry was made by adding 10.5 ml of DI water. Table 14 lists the fluid loss observed in the syringe tests for the different slurries.

<img file="MX336480B_D0087.tif" />

Institute

Table 14. Composition of the slurry and fluid loss data from the syringe for IMftjdCOno C riridas Property to 13-4 (Second particle size and concentration varied)

<td colspan="3">Second particle</td><td>Cumshot 13-1</td><td>Cumshot 13-2</td><td>Cumshot 13-3</td><td>Run 13- 4</td>

<td colspan="3">Concentration, g (P1 / P2 / P3 / P4) -&gt;</td><td> 50/5.5/5/10</td><td> 50/7/5/10</td><td> 50/9/5/10</td><td> 50/12/5/10</td>

<td colspan="3">Size (P1 / P2 / P3 / P4 = 770 / x / 32 / 3.0m)</td><td colspan="4" rowspan="2">LEAK (mL)</td>

<td>Mesh</td><td>Interval of the size, 0m</td><td>Size average, 0m</td>

<td> -50/+60</td><td> 250-297</td><td> 274</td><td>ND</td><td>ND</td><td> 5.90</td><td>ND</td>

<td> -60/+70</td><td> 210-250</td><td> 230</td><td>ND</td><td>ND</td><td> 5.38</td><td> 3.1</td>

<td> -70/+100</td><td> 149 - 210</td><td> 180</td><td> 4.32</td><td> 2.13</td><td> 1.92</td><td> 0.72</td>

<td> -100/+140</td><td> 105 -149</td><td> 127</td><td> 1.14</td><td> 0.42</td><td> 0.72</td><td> 0.26</td>

<td> -140/+170</td><td> 88-105</td><td> 96.5</td><td> 1.68</td><td> 0.60</td><td> 0.31</td><td> 0.2</td>

<td> -170/+200</td><td> 74-88</td><td> 81</td><td> 4.65</td><td> 4.80</td><td> 0.70</td><td> 0.3</td>

<td> -200/+230</td><td> 63-74</td><td> 68.5</td><td>ND</td><td> 6.35</td><td> 0.65</td><td> 0.4</td>

<td> -230/+270</td><td> 53-63</td><td> 58</td><td>ND</td><td>ND</td><td> 3.28</td><td> 0.57</td>

<td> -270/+400</td><td> 37-53</td><td> 45</td><td>ND</td><td>ND</td><td> 5.50</td><td> 3.35</td>

ND = Not determined

The data is plotted in Figure 23 as a function of the size of the second particle. As illustrated in Fig. 23, high concentrations of the second particle relative to the first particle may allow for a broader range of the average size of the second particle to be used to reduce leakage. However, a carefully selected second particle size may allow for lower concentrations of the second particle to be used, potentially facilitating cleaning or removal of the smallest particles to convert the compacted grout particles into a gravel / holding agent package. porous, permeable. For example, at 12 g of the second particle per 50 g of the first CARBOLITE 20/40 particles, an average size of the second particle anywhere between 60 0m and 180 0m effectively bridged the gaps between the CARBOLITE particles. 20/40 leading to low leaks. When the concentration of the second particle was reduced to 5.5 g, however, only the second particles in the average size range between 100 0m and 150 0m controlled leakage, with an optimal particle size of approximately 127 0m +/- 10 or 15 0m. This example shows that the ratio of the average sizes of the first to the second particle in this example should be within the range of approximately

<img file="MX336480B_D0088.tif" />

I instituted

770 / (127 + 15) ~ 5.4 to about 770 / (127-15) ~ 6.9, preferably ^ g about 5.6 to about 6.6, or ideally about 770/127 ~ 6.06. Industrial Another series of tests were then run using the second 127 Bm particle while varying the size of the third particle as shown in Table 15 below.

Table 15. Grout Composition and Syringe Fluid Loss Data for Run 13-5 (Third particle size varied)

<td colspan="3">Third particle</td><td>Cumshot 13-5</td>

<td colspan="3">Concentration, g (P1 / P2 / P3 / P4)</td><td> 50/7/3/10</td>

<td colspan="3">Size (P1 / P2 / P3 / P4 = 770/127 / x / 3, 0m)</td><td rowspan="2">LEAK (mL)</td>

<td>Mesh</td><td>Interval of the size, 0m</td><td>Size average, @m</td>

<td> -140/+170</td><td> 88-105</td><td> 96.5</td><td> 7.78</td>

<td> -200/+230</td><td> 63-74</td><td> 68.5</td><td> 1.3</td>

<td> -230/+270</td><td> 53-63</td><td> 58</td><td> 0.58</td>

<td> -270/+400</td><td> 37-53</td><td> 45</td><td> 0.97</td>

<td></td><td> 27-37</td><td> 32</td><td> 1.55</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> 11</td><td> 7.84</td>

The data is plotted in Fig. 24 as a function of the third particle size. The graph shows that the lowest leak rate at this concentration was obtained for the third particles of 58 0m, establishing a range of the ratio of the average size of the second particle to that of the third particle from approximately 2.0 to approximately 2.4, ideally approximately 2.18.

An approximate packaging model for the particle size relationships according to one modality is observed in Fig. 25, which was obtained using the circle circles theorem.

Descartes. For four mutually tangent circles with curvatures, P_n, P „+ i, P_{n +}2, and P „+3, the following equation (1) is applicable:

one 1 lf1 1 1 1 p2 p2 p2 p2 2 Ρ Ρ Ρ P ¹n · n + 1 ¹ n + 2 ¹ n + 3 \ ^{n J} »+ L ^J ri + 2 ^ln (1)

<img file="MX336480B_D0089.tif" />

where P_n is the curvature of circle n, where the curvature is taken as the reciprocal of the radius. PorlHStltUtO

Mexican example, when three spheres of equal size (Size Pl = 1) touch each other, the pfopledod size (diameter) of P1 / P2 can be obtained using the above equation which turns out to be 6,464ndu $ trlai ~ 6.5. Similarly, the other ratios for the particle sizes required to stop leakage in one modality can be estimated as P2 / P3 which is approximately 2.5 and P3 / P4 which is approximately 1.8, and when a fifth particle is used, P4 / P5 is approximately 1.6.

As a practiced matter it may be difficult to obtain and work with particles having an average size range of less than about 10 Bm in the required precision, and one mode compensates using a relatively large proportion of the fourth particle where the fourth particle has a size average between 10 and 20 Bm.

Example 14: In this example, the stability of a grout was observed qualitatively as the grout aged in a glass bottle under static conditions for 48 hours in the temperature range of 66 ° C (150 ° F) to 121'C (250'F ). At the end of the 48 hr, a pipette was manually inserted into the grout to gauge the force required to fit into the grout. This was a qualitative test and the force required to fit was assigned a number from 0 to 5 with 0 being the worst case (cannot fit) and 5 being the best case. After the fit test the grout was poured out of the bottle to verify the flow and sedimentation properties at the bottom of the grout. Fluidity was also assigned a number between 0 and 5, where 0 refers to non-self-dispersible and 5 refers to self-dispersible grout.

In Runs 14-1 through 14-3 a four-particle slurry as shown in Table 16 was evaluated at 66 ° C, 93'C and 121'C using diutane (0.036% by weight) as a viscosifying agent in the phase liquid.

<img file="MX336480B_D0090.tif" />

Table 16. Grout Compositions and Stability Results with Diutane Roof Stabilizer

<td>Component / Property</td><td>Cumshot 14-1</td><td>Cumshot 14-2</td><td>Cumshot 14-3</td>

<td>Temperature, C</td><td> 66</td><td> 93</td><td> 121</td>

<td>CARBOLITE (20/40, 620 pm), g</td><td> 100</td><td> 100</td><td> 100</td>

<td>Silica (200 pm), g</td><td> 12</td><td> 12</td><td> 12</td>

<td>Silica (32 pm), g</td><td> 30</td><td> 30</td><td> 30</td>

<td>Silica (3 pm), g</td><td> 32</td><td> 32</td><td> 32</td>

<td>DI water, g</td><td> 23</td><td> 23</td><td> 23</td>

<td>Diutane, g</td><td> 0.008</td><td> 0.008</td><td> 0.008</td>

<td>Stability results of h</td><td>the grout, 64</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Lace, scale 0-5</td><td> 5</td><td> 5</td><td> 5</td>

<td>Flow, scale 0-5</td><td> 4</td><td> 4</td><td> 4</td>

<td>Sedimentation</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td>

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

After 64 hr at temperature, it was easy to fit a pipette into the grout and also pour the grout out of the bottle. However, a sediment was observed in the bottle.

In Run 14-4, a four particle slurry as shown in Table 17 was evaluated at

121 ° C using nanometer-sized de-alumina (40nm, obtained from Infarmat Advanced

Materials) as a grout stabilizer.

<img file="MX336480B_D0091.tif" />

Table 17. Composition of the grout and grout result 0-Alumina

<td>Component / Property</td><td>Cumshot 14-4</td>

<td>Temperature, ° C</td><td> 121</td>

<td>CARBOLITE (20/40, 620 pm), g</td><td> 100</td>

<td>Silica (200 pm), g</td><td> 12</td>

<td>Silica (32 pm), g</td><td> 30</td>

<td>Silica (3 pm), g</td><td> 32</td>

<td>DI water, g</td><td> 26</td>

<td>0-AI2O3, g</td><td> 0.008</td>

<td>Polynaphthalene sulfonate, mi</td><td> 0.17</td>

<td colspan="2">Grout stability results, 86 h</td>

<td>Lace, scale 0-5</td><td> 5</td>

<td>Flow, scale 0-5</td><td> 5</td>

<td>Free water</td><td>No</td>

<td>Sedimentation</td><td>Little</td>

of stability with stabilizer of the Mexican Property Institute

Industrial

The fit, flow and free water results showed that the stability of the grout was much better than that formulated with diutane. A unique property of alumina grouts is that they do not have a free water layer at the end of the experiment.

In Run 14-5, a four particle slurry as shown in Table 18 was evaluated at 121 ° C using gellan particles at 0.2% by weight and diutane at 0.036% by weight. At room temperature, the gellan particles easily dispersed in water but did not increase the viscosity of the mixture. At temperatures above 90 ° C, the gelana particles hydrated, increasing the viscosity of the solution. This is a very useful property in an embodiment of the invention because the particles can be added to the grout on the surface without increasing the viscosity. After the slurry is placed downhole, the decrease in viscosity of the liquid phase due to temperature can be offset by the increase in viscosity due to hydration of the gellan particles.

Table 18. Composition of the grout and stability result with Gelana / Diutane grout stabilizer

<td>Component / Property</td><td>Cumshot 14-5</td>

<td>Temperature, C</td><td> 121</td>

<td>CARBOLITE (20/40, 620 pm), g</td><td> 100</td>

<img file="MX336480B_D0092.tif" />

<td>Silica (200 pm), g</td><td> 12</td>

<td>Silica (32 pm), g</td><td> 30</td>

<td>Silica (3 pm), g</td><td> 42</td>

<td>DI water, g</td><td> 28</td>

<td>Diutane, g</td><td> 0.01</td>

<td>Gellan gum, g</td><td> 0.06</td>

<td colspan="2">Grout stability results, 86 h</td>

<td>Lace, scale 0-5</td><td> 5</td>

<td>Flow, scale 0-5</td><td> 5</td>

<td>Free water</td><td>Yes</td>

<td>Sedimentation</td><td>No</td>

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property '

The results in Table 18 showed that the grout was stable and showed no sedimentation at the end of the experiment.

In Runs 14-6, 14-7, and 14-8, the four-particle gelana / diutane slurry from Table 18 5 was evaluated at different temperatures after 48 hr as shown in Table 17.

Table 19. Stability result with Gelana / Dutane grout stabilizer

<td>Slurry stability results, 48 ​​h</td><td>Run 14-6</td><td>Run 14-7</td><td>Run 14-8</td>

<td>Temperature, ° C</td><td> 66</td><td> 93</td><td> 121</td>

<td>Lace, scale 0-5</td><td> 5</td><td> 5</td><td> 5</td>

<td>Flow, scale 0-5</td><td> 5</td><td> 5</td><td> 5</td>

<td>Free water</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>No</td>

<td>Sedimentation</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>No</td>

The results in Table 19 showed that the slurry was stable when the fluid phase was viscosified at high temperature with gellan gum.

In Run 14-9, a four particle slurry as shown in Table 20 was evaluated at 121 ° C using polylactic acid (PLA) flakes to improve stability. The fluid phase of the slurry was not viscosified with diutane. The average size of the PLA flakes was about 1 mm.

<img file="MX336480B_D0093.tif" />

I instituted

Table 20. Composition of the grout and stability result with grout stabilizer ^? *¹®?¹¹?

_PLA of the property

Industrial

<td>Component / Property</td><td>Cumshot 14-9</td>

<td>Temperature, ° C</td><td> 121</td>

<td>CARBOLITE (20/40, 620 pm), g</td><td> 100</td>

<td>Silica (200 pm), g</td><td> 12</td>

<td>Silica (32 pm), g</td><td> 30</td>

<td>Silica (3 pm), g</td><td> 32</td>

<td>DI water, g</td><td> 26</td>

<td>PLA flakes, g</td><td> 2</td>

<td colspan="2">Grout stability results, 86 h</td>

<td>Lace, scale 0-5</td><td> 5</td>

<td>Flow, scale 0-5</td><td> 5</td>

<td>Free water</td><td>Yes</td>

<td>Sedimentation</td><td>Little</td>

The results in Table 20 showed that the addition of PLA flakes improved the grout, flow and sedimentation properties of the grout when compared to the stability results of the grout formulated with diutane as shown in Table 16.

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