An experimental study of epoxy-based nanocomposite for chemical consolidation in a sandstone reservoir with high clay content

Sand production poses a substantial challenge in the oil and gas field, particularly in formations lacking the requisite strength to withstand pressure differentials during extraction. Many wells produce much less than their capacity due to the need to mitigate sand production and prevent well completion and wellhead erosion. The choice of sand control method depends on various factors, such as reservoir conditions, operational methods, and economic considerations, encompassing both mechanical and chemical approaches. In response to this challenge, this study investigates the application of a novel polymer nanofluid for chemical consolidation in clay-rich sandstone reservoirs, an area of exploration yet to be fully tapped. The research aims to assess the potential of polymer nanofluids as a promising solution for sand control in clay-rich reservoirs, with the overarching goal of bolstering well productivity and mitigating the adverse impacts of sand production. Conducted at a laboratory scale, the experiments involved the injection of 1 Pore Volume of consolidation fluid into sandstone cores with 15% and 30% clay content. Subsequently, the cores were subjected to reservoir temperature and pressure conditions for a period of 24 h. The obtained results show a significant enhancement in compressive strength, exceeding 700 psi, facilitated by the polymer nanofluid. Furthermore, permeability restoration reached approximately 89%, a notable improvement compared to preceding studies. Moreover, the introduction of foam injection rendered the core surface water-wet, suggesting potential advantages for reservoir management. These findings illuminate the promise of polymer nanofluids as an effective tool for sand control in clay-rich sandstone reservoirs.