Gravel control methods

Another method of sand control is use of a silicon halide which reacts with water at the surface of sand grains forms SiO which can bond the grains together (55). Reducing the cost of sand consolidation could be very useful since the applicability of gravel packing methods is limited by the bottom hole circulating temperature and the limited temperature stability of polysaccharide polymers. 

Other Methods. Several other solids control methods have been used or proposed. An overbalanced resin surging method (85, 86) forces resin into perforations with an instantaneous release of overbalanced pressure. This method is used when a wellbore has existing perforations in an unconsolidated formation. Acid injection into the perforations converts the resin into a plastic that consolidates prepacked gravel or formation sand. 

Previously, municipalities and county boards allowed road spreading without cost to the oil companies (at times, even providing additional gravel). In effect, it had been a cheap paving and dust control method for these jurisdictions. Consequently, oil companies found it to be the least costly method of produced solids and slop oil disposal. However, there is concern with this method that heavy metals may leach into the surrounding groundwater. 

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