Alakbari Et Al. (2020) Chemical Sand Consolidation From Polymers

polymers
Review
Chemical Sand Consolidation: From Polymers
to Nanoparticles
Fahd Saeed Alakbari 1 , Mysara Eissa Mohyaldinn 1, *, Ali Samer Muhsan 1 , Nurul Hasan 2
and Tarek Ganat 1
1 Petroleum Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak,
Malaysia; [email protected] (F.S.A.); [email protected] (A.S.M.);
[email protected] (T.G.)
2 Petroleum & Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Gadong BE1410, Brunei;
[email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected]

Received: 26 April 2020; Accepted: 29 April 2020; Published: 7 May 2020
Abstract: The chemical sand consolidation methods involve pumping of chemical materials, like
furan resin and silicate non-polymer materials into unconsolidated sandstone formations, in order to
minimize sand production with the fluids produced from the hydrocarbon reservoirs. The injected
chemical material, predominantly polymer, bonds sand grains together, lead to higher compressive
strength of the rock. Hence, less amounts of sand particles are entrained in the produced fluids.
However, the effect of this bonding may impose a negative impact on the formation productivity
due to the reduction in rock permeability. Therefore, it is always essential to select a chemical
material that can provide the highest possible compressive strength with minimum permeability
reduction. This review article discusses the chemical materials used for sand consolidation and
presents an in-depth evaluation between these materials to serve as a screening tool that can assist
in the selection of chemical sand consolidation material, which in turn, helps optimize the sand
control performance. The review paper also highlights the progressive improvement in chemical sand
consolidation methods, from using different types of polymers to nanoparticles utilization, as well as
track the impact of the improvement in sand consolidation efficiency and production performance.
Based on this review, the nanoparticle-related martials are highly recommended to be applied as
sand consolidation agents, due to their ability to generate acceptable rock strength with insignificant
reduction in rock permeability.
Keywords: chemical sand consolidation; sand control; polymers; nanoparticles; epoxy; resin
1. Introduction
Approximately 70% of the total world’s petroleum are located in poorly consolidated
reservoirs [1,2]. Over many years, producing sand with oil and gas from unconsolidated sandstone
reservoirs has been a serious problem facing petroleum business [3,4]. The tendency and rate of sand
production are influenced by many factors related to the degree of formation consolidation and flow
characteristics. For instance, the decreasing pore pressure during the well life, resument of loose
sand from the matrix. The main causes of sand production are the rate of reservoir fluids that creates
frictional drag forces and a pressure that exceeds the formation strength. There is a critical flow rate
above which sand is forced to be removed from the formation and entrained with the produced fluids.
Rising water-cuts also affect sand production in a way that drops the relative permeability of oil over
time after the production, thereby raising the pressure drop and inducing stresses, required to flow the
well at the desired production rate, then yielding sand production [3]. Some researchers categorize the
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069; doi:10.3390/polym12051069 www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers

Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 2 of 30
factors that affect sand production into three categories, namely driving factors, resisting factors and
operational factors. The driving factors are forces that raise the movement of solids, like in-situ stress
and its variation, saturation characteristics and fluid velocity. Resisting factors can be the strength of
the materials, cohesion, friction, and the material grains and capillary action. Operational factors can
be production rate and differential pressure [5,6], Figure 1. Other studies also disclosed that there are
some critical parameters that can influence sand production, such as formation strength, permeability
reduction and
Polymers 2020, 12, the reservoir
x FOR fluids wettability, and mineral content [3].
PEER REVIEW 3 of 30
Figure 1. Causes and problems of sand production.
Several
Chemicalresearchers
methodsmentioned that thehand
on the other mechanism
can beforansand failure canapproach
alternative be shear, tensile, cohesive,
to control the
pore collapse, and
unconsolidated chemicalthat
formation effects that happen
produces whenofcementation
a myriad materials
sand [11]. The are weekend
chemical because of
sand consolidation
chemical
methods, interaction. Shearhave
(namely plastics, strength
been of
useda formation
to control includes cohesion,
sand production which
since is 1940
early the physical bonds
[19]. Chemical
between adjoining grains,
sand consolidation and friction,
methods involvewhich is contact
injecting forces
reactive between down
chemicals the grains
to a[7].target
The shear
loosefailure
sand
formation to create a bonding force between the loose sand grains, Figure 2.
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 3 of 30
can be one of the most common mechanisms for sand failure. The shear failure happens when the shear
stress at some plane inside the material overcomes the cohesion of the material and the internal friction.
A tensile failure happens when the stress on a component exceeds the strength of the material [8].
Tensile failure can happen when the minimum principal stress (σ3 ) becomes adequately negative, as
illustrated in Equation (1):
σ3 ≤ −T0 (1)
T0 is the tensile strength of the material.

When hydrodynamic erosion of the matrix takes place, sand grains start to release and move into
the well. Sand arches and capillary forces can play a significant role in preventing sand production.
Stable sand arches form when unconsolidated sand is pushed towards a small opening, like a perforation
cavity or a slit in a screen. Capillary forces act as a stabilizing force for these arches [9,10]. The arches
can fail because of the tensile failure criterion [5,11]. Sand production can occur because of reservoir
formation damage. The reservoir formation damage can be categorized as natural damage, like fines
migration, inorganic and organic deposits and swelling clay, pseudo-damage, namely (inappropriate
installation of completion equipment and induced damage, such as wettability changes, chemical
reactions, and incompatibility with completion fluids or drilling fluids and plugging from particles [3].
Unconsolidated sand formation can occur because of relatively young geological age and depositional
environment no cement between the rock grain to attach them together by mineral deposition [12].
Nevertheless, sand formation consolidation occurs when the natural bonds attach the grains by
cementing materials in the formation [13].
Sand production induces some problems, which includes downhole or wellhead equipment
erosion and plugging, and subsidence of formation rock and walls demolition. In addition, it could also
lead to a decrease in reservoir recovery, heightened maintenance cost, stimulation in the operational
aspects problems and equipment damages, as well as other problems related to health, safety and
the environment [14,15], Figure 1. Sand production constitutes erosion in surface and downhole
equipment, i.e., growth the workover jobs. Sand production accumulate in downhole and surface
equipment to rise the time and cost for cleaning. Sand production can plug the perforations to decrease
the efficiency of production. Sand production decreases permeability and increases the pressure
drop in the perforation tunnel because of void formation around perforation tunnel during sand
production [3].
There are many techniques that can be used in the petroleum industry to manage and control
sand production. These techniques include but not limited to production rate control, mechanical
methods such as stand-alone screen, or gravel pack and chemical methods like resins [3,16]. Another
method to control sand production is used to run the well on the maximum sand free rate (MSFR) [17].
In general, the mechanical techniques are more costly and time-consuming comparing to the chemical
methods [17]. They have some other problems such as the decrease in productivity index, complexity
of the installation equipment, damage during installation, workover issues, zonal isolation difficulties,
screen collapse and plugging and erosion of equipment [3]. They are also ineffective in controlling fine
sand particles. In addition, mechanical methods can interfere with the different type of completions
and workover operations [18].
Chemical methods on the other hand can be an alternative approach to control the unconsolidated
formation that produces a myriad of sand [11]. The chemical sand consolidation methods, (namely
plastics, have been used to control sand production since early 1940 [19]. Chemical sand consolidation
methods involve injecting reactive chemicals down to a target loose sand formation to create a bonding
force between the loose sand grains, Figure 2.
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 4 of 30
Figure 2. Chemical sand consolidation.
These methods can be used to make up the formation matrix, increase the uniaxial compressive
strength (UCS) of the sand formation to withstand the drag forces and maintain the sand formation
permeability [20]. The chemical methods can also be used to decrease “the effect of tensile failure and
hydrodynamic erosion of the formation matrix” [11,21,22], as well as in multiple zone completion [3].
Non-traditional chemical materials like polymers have been developed to enhance the physical
properties of the materials [23,24]. Many researchers used polymers to control the sand formation
because the viscosity of the polymers are not excessive, polymers can wet the formation solids,
polymers provide sufficient compressive strength to consolidate the sand formation, polymerization
time can be controlled, polymers can be applied in perforation, polymers are relatively low cost and
some polymers can be used in high temperatures. The water-soluble polymers and microgels have a
strong tendency to adsorb on the surface of the rock, and hence, provide a protective film to control
erosion [25]. Overall, polymers can effectively improve the strength behaviors of the treated sand [26].
The aim of this article, however, is to disclose an up-to-date overview of the chemical sand
consolidation techniques by highlighting and deliberating the most popular chemical methods and the
latest advanced approaches, such as shape memory polymers1and nanoparticles and their compounds.
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 5 of 30
The present paper also discusses the performance of the chemical sand consolidation methods, with
focusing on polymers, at their expected application conditions.
Polymers 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 30
2. Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin and Urea-Formaldehyde Resin
Aldehyde condensation polymer can be obtained from condensation reaction of aldehyde
Aldehyde condensation polymer can be obtained from condensation reaction of aldehyde
organic compounds, Figure 3. Aldehydes undertake a broad array of chemical reactions, including
organic compounds,
polymerization. TheFigure 3. Aldehydes
aldehyde undertake
condensation a broad
polymers mayarray
be of chemicalas
generated reactions,
a resultincluding
of the
polymerization.
contamination of Thealdehydes
aldehyde condensation
with specific polymers
types of may be generated
molecules. as a result
In almost of thethe
all cases, contamination
employed
of aldehydes
aldehyde with specific atypes
is formaldehyde, highlyofreactive
molecules. In almost
gas results all cases, the employed
from polymerization with phenol, aldehyde
urea, oris
formaldehyde,
melamine. The afinal
highly reactive
product gasprocess
of this results is
from polymerization
a series of importantwith phenol,
synthetic urea,The
resins. or melamine.
reactions
The final product of this process is a series of important synthetic resins. The reactions
ended with forming such polymers are called condensation reactions because of the associated water ended with
forming such polymers are called condensation reactions because of the associated
and other by‐products released from the process. The resultant polymers can be called as phenol‐ water and other
by-products
formaldehyde released from the process. The
resin, urea‐formaldehyde resultant
resin, polymers can be called as
and melamine‐formaldehyde phenol-formaldehyde
resin. Examples of this
resin, urea-formaldehyde resin, and melamine-formaldehyde resin. Examples
type of polymers are Formaldehyde (HCHO) and Phenol (C6H5OH). Urea and melamine of this type can
of polymers
also be
are Formaldehyde (HCHO) and Phenol
called carbamide and cyanuramide, respectively(C H
6 5 OH). Urea and melamine can also be
which are crystalline solids including ancalled carbamide
amino
and cyanuramide,
group (NH2). respectively which are crystalline solids including an amino group (NH2 ).
Figure 3.
Figure 3. Chemical structure of urea formaldehyde,
formaldehyde, phenol
phenolformaldehyde,
formaldehyde,and
andformaldehyde.
formaldehyde.
The
The(phenol-formaldehyde)
(phenol‐formaldehyde) resin (plastic)
resin has been
(plastic) hasstudied
been for application
studied in sand consolidations
for application in sand
for more than five
consolidations fordecades.
more than The phenol-formaldehyde
five resin is a resin found
decades. The phenol‐formaldehyde resin byis athe reaction
resin found ofby
phenol
the
with formaldehyde
reaction as shown
of phenol with in Figure 3.
formaldehyde asItshown
is the first synthetic
in Figure 3. It polymer.
is the first The phenol-formaldehyde
synthetic polymer. The
resins can be producedresins
phenol‐formaldehyde by two can methods.
be producedThe first
by twomethod is that
methods. The phenol and formaldehyde
first method is that phenol react
andto
formaldehyde
obtain react to network
a thermosetting obtain a polymer.
thermosetting networkmethod
The second polymer. The second
restricts method restricts
the formaldehyde the
to obtain
aformaldehyde
prepolymer, known to obtainasa Novolac
prepolymer, thatknown
can beas Novolac
molded andthat cancured
then be molded
with and then cured
the addition of with
more
the addition ofand
formaldehyde more formaldehyde
heat. The thermosettingand heat. The thermosetting
network polymer results network polymer
in chemical results that
reactions in chemical
produce
reactions
wide that produce
cross-linking between wide cross‐linking
polymer chains to between
obtain “anpolymer
infusiblechains to obtain
and insoluble “an infusible
polymer network”and [27].
insoluble
The polymer
flash point andnetwork”
boiling point[27].ofThe flash point and boiling
phenol-formaldehyde point
resin are of72.5 ◦ C, and 181.8 ◦ C, respectively.
phenol‐formaldehyde resin are
72.5 ℃, and 181.8 ℃
Phenol-formaldehyde resin, respectively.
has enhancedPhenol‐formaldehyde
strength and dimensional resin stability.
has enhanced strength
It also has and
significant
dimensional stability on heating up to about 149 C. Similarly, it has enhanced impact resistance℃.
dimensional stability. It also has significant ◦
dimensional stability on heating up to about 149 and
Similarly,
cast resins. itThe hasviscosity,
enhancedthe impact
densityresistance
at 25 ◦ Candand cast
pH ofresins. The viscosity,
formaldehyde and the density
phenol resinatare ℃ and
25 (100–150)
pH(1.16–1.21)
cP, of formaldehyde g/cc andand phenol
(9.1 resin
or 10.1), are (100–150)
respectively, cP, The
[28]. (1.16–1.21) g/cc and (9.1 or(UF)
urea-formaldehyde 10.1), respectively,
polymer can be
[28]. The urea‐formaldehyde (UF) polymer can be obtained by condensation
obtained by condensation polymerization of urea and formaldehyde. The properties of the UF polymer, polymerization of urea
and formaldehyde.
include fast curing rate,Thelow properties
cost, easilyof the UF polymer,
adaptable, colorlessinclude
bondfast line curing rate, low
and excellent wood cost, easily
adhesion
adaptable,
capability [29]. colorless bond line and excellent wood adhesion capability [29].
As an
As an application
application ofof phenol
phenol formaldehyde
formaldehyde resin resin as
as aa sand
sand consolidation
consolidationchemical,
chemical,Spain Spain[30]
[30]
applied a base‐catalyzed plastic resin for sand production treatment,
applied a base-catalyzed plastic resin for sand production treatment, (see Table 1). The sand production (see Table 1). The sand
production
treatment treatmentincludes
procedure procedure includes
three stages.three stages.
Initially, anInitially,
agent can anbe agent
usedcan be used
to flush thetosand
flushtothe sand
enhance
to enhance the adhesion of the sand grain surfaces. The second stage, the resin
the adhesion of the sand grain surfaces. The second stage, the resin solution can be injected after one solution can be injected
after atone
hour thehour
givenatformation
the giventemperature.
formation temperature. The diesel
The final phase, final phase,
fuel can diesel fuel can
be injected to be injected
assure that to
the
assure that the well bore is properly cleaned of the given resin solution. The sand treatment following
well bore is properly cleaned of the given resin solution. The sand treatment following the procedure,
the procedure, described above, resulted in a compressive strength of 1000 psi but with a reduction
described above, resulted in a compressive strength of 1000 psi but with a reduction of the permeability
of the permeability to 50% of its original value, at formation temperature of 38–95.5 ℃ [30].
to 50% of its original value, at formation temperature of 38–95.5 ◦ C [30]. Sanfilippo et al. [31] showed
Sanfilippo et al. [31] showed that sand with compressive strength of 147 psi can be stable and may
not be eroded with normal drawdown stresses. Reducing half of the original permeability makes the
application of this plastic resin method is limited in oil industry. Talaghat et al. [32] studied the
performance of six types of resin, including Novolak phenol‐formaldehyde resin, resole phenol‐
formaldehyde resin, modified phenol‐formaldehyde resin, two types of epoxy resins, and an acrylic
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 6 of 30
that sand with compressive strength of 147 psi can be stable and may not be eroded with normal
drawdown stresses. Reducing half of the original permeability makes the application of this plastic
resin method is limited in oil industry. Talaghat et al. [32] studied the performance of six types of
resin, including Novolak phenol-formaldehyde resin, resole phenol-formaldehyde resin, modified
phenol-formaldehyde resin, two types of epoxy resins, and an acrylic resin to remedy the sand
production in Ahwaz and Mansoori oil fields. They found that the best resin type is the modified
phenol-formaldehyde resin. The experimental results of the modified phenol-formaldehyde resin
showed that the permeability, the porosity and the compressive strength were 1500 and 3500 mD,
38–68% and 3000 psi, respectively at 29.5 ◦ C, and 94 ◦ C, Table 1 [32]. Mishra and Ojha [33] have applied
a mixture of organic resins with inorganic resin and curing agents, in order to consolidate loose sand
formation in oil fields. The organic resins are urea-formaldehyde (UF) and melamine-formaldehyde
(MF). The inorganic resin is potassium silicate. Curing agents are ammonium chloride [AC](NH4CL),
aluminum sulfate [AS] [A l2 (SO4)3 ] and sodiumbi-carbonate [SBC](NaHCO3). They pointed out that
the inorganic silicate is less costly and available with the amino resins and displayed much enhanced
uniaxial compressive strength more than 1300 psi [33]. Some pros and cons of phenol-formaldehyde
resin and urea-formaldehyde resin methods as reported in literature are summarized in Table 2.
Table 1. Phenol-formaldehyde resin and urea-formaldehyde resin methods to consolidate sand formation.
Compressive Temperature
Reference Materials Permeability
Strength(psi) Range (◦ C)
plastic
Spain [30] 1000 original 50% 38–95.5
(phenol-formaldehyde) resin
a modified
Talaghat et al. [32] 3000 1500 mD and 3500 mD 29.5 and 94
phenol-formaldehyde resin
Urea-formaldehyde,
64.65% permeability
Mishra and Ojha [33] potassium silicate and 1300 up to 100
retention
ammonium chloride.
Table 2. Advantages and disadvantages of phenol-formaldehyde resin and urea-formaldehyde resin.
Advantages Disadvantages
High tensile strength. Decreased the permeability up to 50%.
Flexural modulus. The issues of placement and reliability.
A high heat distortion temperature. Short intervals injection.
Low water absorption. Temperature sensitivity up to 100 ◦ C.
Mold shrinkage. Difficult to apply, [34].
High surface hardness. Multiple phases for consolidating.
Elongation at break.
Volume resistance.
A refractive index [35].
Applied in wellbore open.
No need for screens and liners.
Increased the compressive strength up to 3000 psi
More economic than mechanical methods.
Applied for multi-completion wells.
Used in wells having all sizes of perforations.
Control fine sand particles.
No mechanical risks.
No need any downhole equipment, so no rig is used, [36].
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 7 of 30
3. Furan Resin
Furthermore, some researchers studied other types of resins, like furan resin as shown in
Table 3, to control sand in oil fields. Furan can be a heterocyclic organic compound, which contains
a five-membered aromatic ring with one oxygen and four carbon atoms. Furan resin could be
obtained from diverse furan compounds like furfuryl alcohol and furfural as illustrated Figure 4 [37].
The properties of furfuryl alcohol resin are 170 ◦ C boiling point, 1.1285 g/cc density, 29 ◦ C melting
point, 359 ◦ C critical temperature, 776 psi critical pressure and (5–8) pH. The viscosity and flash point
of the furfuryl alcohol resin are (100–300) cP at 25 ◦ C, and 65 ◦ C, respectively [38].
Table 3. Furan resin methods to control sand formation.
Strength (psi) Range (◦ C)
a furan resin (furfuryl
Young [39] 3000 - 15.5 to 149
alcohol resin)
UF-85 concentrate, furfuryl
Young [40] 1072 - 27, 60, 65.5, 177
alcohol, urea
terahydrofurfuryl
Young [41] methacrylate and a furan 1170 - 72
resin
polymerizable monomer or
Friedman et al. [21] - - 30, 60
oligomer
permeability
Fader et al. [42] a modified furan resin 550 15.5–160
reduction 10%
average
Parlar et al. [43] furan resin 2000 permeability 38, 66, 93, 121
(80–85)%
furan resin, an aminosilane
Todd et al. [44] 3000 - 93
resin-to-particulate
Appah [45] furan-phenolic resin 3000 - -
critical temperature,a 776
Nguyen [46]
psialcohol
furfuryl critical pressure and80–1642
resin, (5–8) pH. The viscosity
-
and 27
flash point of the
and less than 149
furfuryl alcohol resinfurfuryl alcohol
are (100–300) cP at 25 ℃, and 65 ℃ , respectively [38].
Figure 4. Chemical structure of furfuryl alcohol and furfural.
Young [39] tried

tried the
the application
application of of furan
furan for
for sand
sand consolidation
consolidation using a consolidating
consolidating fluid
composing of the furan resin (furfuryl alcohol resin), furfuryl alcohol solvent, silane bonding agent, agent,
surfactant
surfactant and
andfresh
freshwater.
water.TheThefuran resin
furan waswas
resin used to bind
used unconsolidated
to bind unconsolidated sand formations. The silane
sand formations. The
bonding agent (silane
silane bonding coupling
agent (silane agent) agent)
coupling enhances the adhesion
enhances of the resin
the adhesion of thetoresin
the sand
to thegrains. Silane
sand grains.
coupling agents agents
Silane coupling containcontain
organicorganic
polymers and inorganic
polymers fillers, (namely
and inorganic glass, minerals,
fillers, (namely and metals).
glass, minerals, and
Silane coupling
metals). agents comprise
Silane coupling inorganicinorganic
agents comprise reactive groups
reactiveongroups
siliconon and can bond
silicon and canwellbond
withwell
the most
with
inorganic substrates,
the most inorganic especiallyespecially
substrates, if the substrate comprises
if the substrate silicon insilicon
comprises its structure. The furfuryl
in its structure. alcohol
The furfuryl
solvent was added to achieve some functions, like decreasing the viscosity
alcohol solvent was added to achieve some functions, like decreasing the viscosity of the resin,of the resin, coating the
formation
coating thesolids, and to
formation assistand
solids, thetosand consolidation
assist at elevated at
the sand consolidation temperatures. It also assists
elevated temperatures. the
It also
assists the clay treating chemicals to act as clay shrinking chemicals. This system has an apparent
ability to permanently shrink certain types of hydrated clays within a sand formation to increase
permeability. Fresh water acts as an additional ionization medium. It is used to speed up and activate
the catalyst and the bonding agent. Therefore, it provides a faster resin curing and stronger
consolidation. The surfactant acts as a demulsifier to break or prevent water blocks and emulsions.
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 8 of 30
clay treating chemicals to act as clay shrinking chemicals. This system has an apparent ability to
permanently shrink certain types of hydrated clays within a sand formation to increase permeability.
Fresh water acts as an additional ionization medium. It is used to speed up and activate the catalyst
and the bonding agent. Therefore, it provides a faster resin curing and stronger consolidation.
The surfactant acts as a demulsifier to break or prevent water blocks and emulsions. Young applied
multistage of spacer solution and catalyst solution in this sand consolidation method. The spacer
solution composes of diesel oil with small surfactant. The catalyst solution contains a strong organic
acid dissolved in diesel oil which contains a surfactant. The spacer solution and catalyst solution can
be used to spread the resin consolidating fluid. This sand consolidation system was experimentally
investigated at temperature values of 15.5 to 149 ◦ C, where the investigation results revealed that
the compressive strength of the consolidated sand at the measurement temperature can reach up to
3000 psi. However, this proposed method is associated with some challenges, including multistage
process, low flash point of the resin and high required pumps for the fluid [39]. Young [40] used
chemical solution, (namely diesel oil as preflush solution) for the sand, resin composition comprises of
Urea formaldehyde (UF-85) concentrate, furfuryl alcohol, urea, gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane
and water and overflush (post flush) solution includes diesel oil and benzortrichloride to drop sand
production in the oil industry. The compressive strength was displayed 1072 psi and the temperature
conditions were 27, 60, 65.5 and 177 ◦ C [40]. In another study, Young [41] proposed consolidating
fluid and a low viscosity aqueous fluid to control sand formation. The consolidated fluid comprises a
mixing of terahydrofurfuryl methacrylate and a furan resin. the low viscosity aqueous fluid contains
of potassium chloride, sodium chlorides, ammonium chloride, calcium-calcium bromides, oil field
brines and sea water. Additionally, a diluent resin additive, (namely astetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate),
was added to the given consolidated fluid. The chemicals like an acid curable resin, viz. sulfamic
acid, and a delayed acting catalyst which contain of the reaction product of an acid and an alkali
metal or ammonium molybdate. The experimental results of this furan resin method showed that the
compressive strength was (112–1170) psi at (29–57) ◦ C [41]. Friedman et al. [21] used a polymerizable
resin like an oligomer of (furfuryl alcohol) furan resin, a catalyst, organic diluent and ester. The catalyst
was used for the polymerization of the monomer or oligomer. The ester, (namely ethyl or butyl acetate),
was injected into the formation and forced to enter the void space in the formation for consolidating
the sand formation. Prior to the treatment solution, a preflush solution, (namely ester (ethyl or butyl
acetate)), and an acid catalyst (sulfuric acid) were injected into the borehole to remove water from the
pore spaces of the treated formation and to remove oily residue from the grains. The polymerization
happens at high temperature (150 ◦ C) for a few seconds. However, at the surface conditions (30 ◦ C)
the mixture of monomer and acid are not reactive for some days. The well could be shut in from one to
ten days and preferably at least one week to allow the chemical materials to react with the sand in the
well. The weaknesses of this method are that some environmental unfriendly materials like sulfuric
acid are used as additives to the consolidation solution. The performance of the catalyst depends on
the temperature which must be less than 60 ◦ C. Moreover, the multi-fluid injection procedure needs
more time and it is associated with higher cost as compare to a single fluid injection. The three-system
process has a negative effect in maintaining the sweep efficiency of each fluid through the porous
media [21]. Fader et al. [42] studied a modified furan resin chemical system comprises of furfuryl
alcohol with ethylacetate, methanol and sulfuric acid to consolidate a sand formation in Kern River
field, CA, USA. Experimental investigation conducted on the modified furan resin revealed that the
compressive strength can reach up to 550 psi, while there is 10% permeability reduction. It is reported
by researcher that the modified furan resin method can be applied at temperatures (15.5–160) ◦ C, [42].
Parlar et al. [43] experimentally investigated furan resin composition which encompasses solvents,
oil wetting agent and nonemulsifier and coupling agent to consolidate sand formation. This furan
resin method showed that the maximum unconfined compressive strength is more than 2000 psi
and the retained permeability is more than 100% for clays, 68% for clean sand with the average
permeability (80–85)% at measurement temperatures of 38 ◦ C, 66 ◦ C, 93 ◦ C and 121 ◦ C. The limitation
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 9 of 30
of the proposed furan resin method is that the placement of the chemical through all perforations
is critical [43]. Todd et al. [44] employed enhanced hardenable resin compositions to consolidate
an unconsolidated sand formation. The enhanced resin compositions contain an organic resin for
hardening (namely furan resin), an aminosilane resin to act as a solid coupling agent, a viscosity breaker
and a surface active agent. The solid coupling agent is used to break separating films of viscous carrier
fluid between solid coupling agent and the surface active agent. The aminosilane coupling agent
can be 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and the surface active agent can be ethoxylated nonyl phenol
phosphate ester. The employed enhanced hardenable resin compositions further contain a viscosity
reducing diluent such as methanol and butyl alcohol. The viscous carrier fluid breaker can be organic
peroxides and/or a hydrolyzable ester. They measured compressive strength of the sand consolidation
after the treatment was found to be as high as 3000 psi at 93 ◦ C [44]. Appah [45] used furan-phenolic
resin to consolidate the sand formation. In addition, he proved that the compressive strength was
3000 psi for the said consolidation method [45]. Nguyen [46] used resin composition to consolidate
sand formation and to fracture the producing zone. The method is processed in three stages. The first
phase formed perforations through the casing and cement adjacent to the treatment production zone in
the wellbore. The second stage is that a furfuryl alcohol resin, furfuryl alcohol, a silane coupling agent
and a solvent for the given resin are injected through the perforations to the target formation. In the
third stage, a fracturing fluid was immediately injected into the production zone at an adequate rate
and pressure to fracture the target zone. The fracturing fluid includes proppant particles coated with a
second hardenable resin composition. The proppant particles are graded sand. The second hardenable
resin composition includes a furfuryl alcohol resin, a furfuryl alcohol, a silane coupling agent, a solvent
for the resin and a surfactant. The function of surfactant is to facilitate the coating of the given resin on
the given proppant particles and to cause the said hardenable resin to flow to contact points between
adjacent resin coated proppant particles. The second resin composition further contains a hydrolyzable
ester to break gelled fracturing fluid films on the proppant particles. The hydrolyzable ester includes
a mix of dimethylglutarate, dimethylsuccinate and dimethyladipate. Nguyen investigated the sand
consolidation method at 27 ◦ C and less than 149 ◦ C. Moreover, he outlined that the compressive
strength ranges from a minimum value of 80 psi to a maximum value of 1642 psi after 7 days [46].
Some benefits and drawbacks of furan resins as reported in literature are summarized in Table 4.
Table 4. Advantages and disadvantages of furan resin.
The placement of the chemical through all
Good corrosion resistance to the inorganic acid.
perforations is critical to success, [43].
Increased the compressive strength up to 3000 psi. The low flash point of the resin
Good heat resistance. High required pumps [39].
Furan resins belong to thermosetting resin and could
cross-link with each other and cure when heated Poor oxidation resistance of furan resin [47].
without adding the curing agent.
Furan resins are good miscible with a myriad of
thermosetting resins, thus a lot of products with The multistage process injection.
diverse performance can be formed [47].
The solid coupling agent can be used to break
separating films of viscous carrier fluid between resin The weaknesses of this method are that the
coated particulate solids and the surface active agent unfriendly material like sulfuric acid are used in the
which can be used to cause the resin composition to consolidation solution [21].
flow to the contact points [44].
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 10 of 30
4. Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin can also be called polyepoxides and can be a class of reactive polymers and
prepolymers, which comprise epoxide groups, as shown in Figure 5. The reaction of epoxy with
polyfunctional hardeners or with themselves can form thermosetting polymer. Epoxy resins have
substantial mechanical strength, high resistance to heat, outstanding resistance to chemical and
substantial adhesive strength [48]. Epoxy resin can be used in water shut-off treatment [49]. Epoxy
resins as liquid can be toxic to aquatic organisms and are irritant to the eyes and skin [50]. The properties
of epoxy resin are 1.15 g/cc density, 150 ◦ C boiling point, 164 ◦ C flash point and (200–1500) cP viscosity.
Epoxy can be capable of practical operating at (−250 ◦ C to 120 ◦ C) and can be capable with higher
temperatures ◦
Polymers 2020, 12,(215
x FORC) forREVIEW
PEER short time periods only (3000 h.) [51]. 10 of 30
Figure 5. Chemical
Chemical structure
structure of the epoxide and ethylene oxide.
There are
There are several
several studies
studies in in the
the literature
literature on on the
the application
application of of epoxy
epoxy resin
resin forfor sand
sand consolidation
consolidation
as demonstrated in Table 5. Penberthy et al. [52] used an aqueous
as demonstrated in Table 5. Penberthy et al. [52] used an aqueous organic preflush and epoxy organic preflush and epoxy resin for
resin
sand
for consolidation.
sand consolidation. To improve
To improve thethe
performance
performance of the sand
of the sandconsolidation,
consolidation, initially
initiallythethe
resin must
resin must be
wet and adhered to the surface of the sand grains. The sand grains in
be wet and adhered to the surface of the sand grains. The sand grains in many reservoirs can be watermany reservoirs can be water wet
formerly,
wet it is difficult
formerly, for thefor
it is difficult resin
the to replace
resin the water
to replace the on the surface
water of the grains.
on the surface of the Thus,
grains.they applied
Thus, they
ethylene glycol isopropylether solvent and isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
applied ethylene glycol isopropylether solvent and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) with ethoxylatedhexyl with ethoxylatedhexyl alcohol
solvent solvent
alcohol as a preflush to remove
as a preflush to the
removewater theinwater
the reservoir. The treatment
in the reservoir. process results
The treatment processinresults
2000 psi in
compressive
2000 strength strength
psi compressive [52]. Dees et al.
[52]. Dees[53]etused epoxy
al. [53] used resin
epoxyconsolidation and explosive
resin consolidation for treating
and explosive for
unconsolidated
treating sand formation.
unconsolidated The explosion
sand formation. can be achieved
The explosion using a cord
can be achieved usingholding
a cordsuitable
holdingexplosive
suitable
explosive materials. It is used to divert the chemical solutions through all perforations in of
materials. It is used to divert the chemical solutions through all perforations in the casing thethe well
casing
andthe
of to well
increase
andthe production
to increase therate. After therate.
production explosion
After theis processed,
explosionthe consolidation
is processed, themethod further
consolidation
utilizes a perforating gun to form addition perforations in the casing.
method further utilizes a perforating gun to form addition perforations in the casing. The diverting The diverting agent can be added
to the chemical
agent can be added solution
to theof the said resin
chemical composition
solution to displace
of the said the chemicaltosolutions
resin composition displaceinto the the target
chemical
zone. The compressive strength and permeability to the original
solutions into the target zone. The compressive strength and permeability to the original were were obtained as 5000+ psi, and
◦ C [53]. Dees [54] used an epoxy resin and a gas
obtained as 5000+ psi, and 67%, respectively at the temperature range of 38–104 ℃ [53]. Dees [54]
67%, respectively at the temperature range of 38–104
generator
used to control
an epoxy resinthe and unconsolidated
a gas generator sand to formations. The gas generator
control the unconsolidated wasformations.
sand used with the Theresin
gas
generator was used with the resin fluid to increase the flow velocity towards the given productiona
fluid to increase the flow velocity towards the given production zone. The gas generator contains of
propellant
zone. The gaswhich is a modified
generator contains nitrocellulose.
of a propellant After the fluid
which epoxy resin
is a modified with gas were
nitrocellulose. injected,
After the fluidthe
flush solution
epoxy resin with wasgas pressurized
were injected, to assist the formation
the flush solution of was thepressurized
consolidation porous
to assist thepermeable
formationmatrix.
of the
The flush solution can be a hydrochloric acid solution. Dees [54] determined
consolidation porous permeable matrix. The flush solution can be a hydrochloric acid solution. Dees the compressive strength
◦ C to 121 ◦ C [54]. Dewprashad et al. [55]
as 7000
[54] psi and the
determined permeabilitystrength
the compressive to original is 50%
as 7000 psiatand10 the permeability to original is 50% at 10 ℃
to 121 ℃ a[54].
practiced newDewprashad
HT epoxy resin, hydroxypropylguargum
et al. [55] practiced a new HT andepoxy
KCl toresin,
consolidate a loose sand formation.
hydroxypropylguargum and
The new HT epoxy resin can be used to treat fracturing fluids.
KCl to consolidate a loose sand formation. The new HT epoxy resin can be used to treat fracturing Furthermore, this method does not
affect the
fluids. fluid pH and
Furthermore, thishas less impact
method does noton gel breakers.
affect the fluid The pH resin
andtreatment takes adequate
has less impact time to
on gel breakers.
become hardened because of a lower cure rate at high temperature,
The resin treatment takes adequate time to become hardened because of a lower cure rate at high so the consolidation operation can
become easier to palace the resin at the target sand zone. The experimental
temperature, so the consolidation operation can become easier to palace the resin at the target sand investigation, conducted by
the researchers, showed that the compressive strength wasresearchers,
1340 psi at showed
temperature ◦
zone. The experimental investigation, conducted by the that up thetocompressive
204 C [55].
strength was 1340 psi at temperature up to 204 ℃ [55]. Chaloupka et al. [56] applied catalyzed epoxy
fluid to consolidate a sand formation in the Mahakam river delta, Indonesia. They reported that the
regained permeability is 63% at the temperature range of 93–177 ℃, [56]. Marfo et al. [13] used an
internally catalyzed epoxy resin to consolidate sand formation in the Mahakam Delta, Indonesia. The
internally catalyzed system comprises a hardener and accelerator. The catalyst can be added in the
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 11 of 30
Chaloupka et al. [56] applied catalyzed epoxy fluid to consolidate a sand formation in the Mahakam
river delta, Indonesia. They reported that the regained permeability is 63% at the temperature range of
93–177 ◦ C, [56]. Marfo et al. [13] used an internally catalyzed epoxy resin to consolidate sand formation
in the Mahakam Delta, Indonesia. The internally catalyzed system comprises a hardener and accelerator.
The catalyst can be added in the surface and the amount can be determined by the temperature of the
formation to be consolidated. It is time-dependent with rapid reaction in high temperature formations.
Externally catalyzed systems can be overflush. The overflush can be used after the resin is injected
into the zone. The overflush may be aqueous or hydrocarbon solution, which contain a hardener or
accelerator chemical introduced as a curing agent. They disclosed that the regained permeability was
63% and the compressive strengths were 57 psi and 235 psi for the treated sand without Bentonite
clay, and with 1% of bentonite clay, respectively. The rise in compressive strength as the particle
size drops because of rise in surface area of the smaller particle size [13]. Riyanto et al. [57] used
a chemical consolidation composition composing of epoxy resin, coupling agent, accelerator and
hardener. The accelerator was added to accelerate the curing process and shorten the well shut-in time.
They used three phases to consolidate the sand formations. The first stage is preflush, which contains
KCL and an aqueous base surface modification agent (ASMA). The second stage is the main aqueous
based resin. The third stage is the post flush which is KCL. They investigated three samples with
different aqueous based resin to find the compressive strength and regain permeability. The first
sample composes of 3% KCL as preflush, aqueous based resin with accelerator (8PV) and 3% KCL (2PV)
as post flush. The second contains 2% ASMA (2PV) and 3% KCL (3PV) as preflush, aqueous based
resin with accelerator (8PV) and 3% KCL (3PV) as post flush. The third sample composes of 5% ASMA
(2PV) and 3% KCL (3PV) as preflush, aqueous based resin with accelerator, foaming agent and N2
(8PV) and 3% KCL (3PV) as post flush. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) ratio (top/bottom)
were (284/103) = 2.76 for the first sample, (439/191) = 2.30 for the second sample and (797/148) = 5.39
for third sample. The regain permeabilities were (73, 75, almost 100)% for sample number 1, 2, 3
respectively. The condition of the sand consolidation measurements was at 63 ◦ C. They applied this
sand consolidation in Sarawak, East Malaysia and displayed that there was no sand production after
the treatment. Moreover, the production rate was increased twice the production rate with other sand
control method, (namely thru tubing screen) [57]. Hadi et al. [58] used an epoxy resin to consolidate a
sand formation in Mahakam Delta, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. They showed that the compressive
strength and the permeability were 614–1816 psi, and 100–1068 md, respectively [58]. Palencia et al. [14]
applied an epoxy resin to control a sand formation. They mentioned that the compressive strength and
the permeability were 217.21–694, and 8.15 × 10−7 –1095.1 mD, respectively [14]. Alanqari et al. [59]
used Bisphenol A/Epichorohydrin and Butyl glycidyl ether and cyclohxanedimethanol resins cured
with polyoxypropylene diamine and diglycidylether of bisphenol-A epoxy resin to control the sand
formation at Up to 146 ◦ C. Al-Mulhem [60] utilized an epoxy resin and curing agent (Expedite A& B
by Halliburton Energy Services) to consolidate the sand formation. They stated that a permeability
to original was 70% [60]. Eluru et al. [61] used a sugar based hardenable resin and a hardening
agent to make a resin compound to consolidate the sand formation. The sugar based hardenable
resin is a glucofuranoside-based trifunctional epoxy resin and a glucofuranoside-based trifunctional
epoxy resin, [61] (see Table 5). The main advantages and disadvantages of epoxy resin, as reported in
literature, are summarized in Table 6.
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 12 of 30
Table 5. Epoxy resin methods to consolidate sand formation.
an epoxy resin, a brine preflush and
Penberthy et al. [52] 2000 - -
solvent preflush
an epoxy resin, an explosive, a gas
a permeability to
Dees et al. [53] generator and a particulate diverting 5000 38 to 93
original 67%
agent.
a permeability to
Dees [54] an epoxy resin and a gas generator 7000 10 to 121
original 50%
Dewprashad et al. [55] a new HT epoxy resin 1340 - up to 204
63% regained
Chaloupka et al. [56] a catalyzed epoxy - 93–177
permeability
a permeability to
Marfo et al. [13] an epoxy resin 600–700 38–107
original (60–90)%
epoxy resin, coupling agent,
Riyanto et al. [57] - - 63
accelerator and hardener
Hadi et al. [58] an epoxy resin 614–1816 (100–1068) md 38.9–79.4
Palencia et al. [14] an epoxy resin 217.21–694 8.15 × 10−7 –1095.1 mD 62
1- Bisphenol A/Epichorohydrin and
Butyl glycidyl ether and
cyclohxanedimethanol resins cured 1- 120.5
Alanqari et al. [59] - -
with Polyoxypropylene Diamine. 2- 146
2- Diglycidylether of bisphenol-A
epoxy resin.
an epoxy resin and curing agent
a permeability to
Al-Mulhem [60] (Expedite A& B by Halliburton - 90
original 70%
Energy Services)
a sugar based hardenable resin
(glucofuranoside based trifunctional
Eluru and Salla. [61] epoxy resin and glucofuranoside - - 160
based trifunctional epoxy resin) and a
hardening agent
Table 6. Advantages and disadvantages of epoxy resin.
This method does not effect on fluid pH and has less impact on gel
High required pumps [39].
breakers [55].
The resin treatment takes adequate time to become hardened
because of a lower cure rate at high temperature, so the
Reduction of the original permeability up to 50%.
consolidation operation can become easier to palace the resin at the
target sand zone [55].
Substantial mechanical strength [62]. The multistage process injection.
High resistance to heat. Irritant to the eyes and skin [50]
Outstanding resistance to chemical and substantial adhesive
strength [48]
Capable with higher temperatures up to (215 ◦ C) [51].
Increased the compressive strength up to 7000 psi.
Low cost.
Effective electrical insulation.
Good adhesion.
High performance composites.
Electronic packaging materials.
Versatile processability and adhesive properties [63].
Protective coatings [62].
Effective electrical insulation.
Good adhesion.
High performance composites.
Electronic packaging materials.
Versatile
Polymers 2020,processability
12, 1069 and adhesive properties [63]. 13 of 30
Protective coatings [62].
5. Amino-AldehydePolymer
5. Amino‐aldehyde Polymer
Amino-aldehyde polymerisisthe
Amino‐aldehyde polymer thepolymer,
polymer, which
which includes
includes amino
amino groupgroup
and and formaldehyde.
formaldehyde. The
The amino-aldehyde polymer can be also acquired by condensation polymerization
amino‐aldehyde polymer can be also acquired by condensation polymerization of amino and of amino and
aldehyde.
aldehyde. The
The properties
propertiesofofthe
theamino-aldehyde
amino‐aldehyde polymer
polymer cancan
be be
thethe
easeease
accessibility and and
accessibility the low
the cost
low
of their
cost of raw
theirmaterials, (namely
raw materials, melamine
(namely and formaldehyde),
melamine the well combination
and formaldehyde), of their oligomers
the well combination of their
with waterwith
oligomers andwater
the easy
andtransition of oligomer-polymer,
the easy transition not only not
of oligomer‐polymer, at high
only temperature, but alsobut
at high temperature, at
room a room
also at roomtemperature. However, the
a room temperature. amino aldehyde
However, the amino resin has tremendously
aldehyde low durability [64].
resin has tremendously low
Example of amino aldehyde (aminoacetaldehyde) is shown in Figure 6.
durability [64]. Example of amino aldehyde (aminoacetaldehyde) is shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Chemical structure of melamine and aminoacetaldehyde.
There were other chemical consolidation materials, such as Quasi Natural Consolidation (QNC)
and aa mixture
mixtureofofamino-aldehyde
amino‐aldehyderesin resin applied
applied to to
control
controlthethe
sand formation,
sand formation,Table 7. Larsen
Table et al.et[65]
7. Larsen al.
studied QNC which comprises Ca 2+ , 2+
urease and urea. They found that calcium carbonate can
[65] studied QNC which comprises Ca , urease and urea. They found that calcium carbonate
form bridges between sand grains grains and
and can
can strengthens
strengthens the the loose
loose sand
sand pack.
pack. Experimental
Experimental results
depicted that
that the
therock
rockpermeability
permeabilitydecreased
decreasedabout about 25%25% from
from thethe
original
original(almost
(almostten ten
Darcy) andand
Darcy) the
◦ C, [65]. Lahalih and Ghloum [66]
the compressive strength obtained was 1531 psi at temperature of 25–65 ℃ , [65]. Lahalih and
compressive strength obtained was 1531 psi at temperature of 25–65
applied
Ghloumpolymeric
[66] applied materials which
polymeric comprise
materials whicha mixture
comprise of amino-aldehyde resin and water-soluble
a mixture of amino‐aldehyde resin and
resin. Additionally,
water‐soluble resin.some additives can
Additionally, some be additives
added to the canpolymeric
be addedchemical method such
to the polymeric as dispersants,
chemical method
inorganic and organic cross-linkers, (namely acetic acid and soil stabilizer).
such as dispersants, inorganic and organic cross‐linkers, (namely acetic acid and soil stabilizer). The The polymeric method
was tested method
polymeric without and was with
testedKCl brine. and
without The polymeric
with KCl method
brine. The laboratory
polymeric measurements offered
method laboratory
that the compressive strength was 497 psi to 1422 psi at the compositions
measurements offered that the compressive strength was 497 psi to 1422 psi at the compositions of (1.0, 0.4, 25) PV and of at
◦
the
(1.0,temperatures
0.4, 25) PV and ofat60,
the and 110 C, respectively,
80,temperatures 110 ℃
of 60, 80, and [66]. The results of organic
, respectively, resins
[66]. The and of
results inorganic
organic
resins showed that there
and inorganic was
resins a dropthat
showed in the values
there wasof porosity
a drop in theand permeability
values as the
of porosity andamount of the
permeability
binding agent and the amount of reactive component were raised [67].
as the amount of the binding agent and the amount of reactive component were raised [67]. Some Some benefits and drawbacks
of amino-aldehyde
benefits and drawbacks polymers, as reported in literature
of amino‐aldehyde polymers,are assummarized
reported in in Table 8.are summarized in
literature
Table 8.
Table 7. Amino-aldehyde polymer methods to consolidate sand formation.
Quasi Natural permeability decreased
Larsen et al. [65] Consolidation (QNC) 1531 about 25% from the 25–65
Ca2+, urease and urea original
Lahalih and
amino-aldehyde resins 497–1422 - (60, 80, 110)
Ghloum [66]
Strength (psi) Range (°C)
Larsen et al. [65] Quasi Natural permeability
Consolidation (QNC) decreased about
1531 25–65
Ca2+, urease and urea 25% from the
original
Lahalih
Polymers and
2020, 12, 1069 amino‐aldehyde resins 14 of 30
497–1422 ‐ (60, 80, 110)
Ghloum [66]
8. Advantages
Table 8.
Table Advantages and
and disadvantages
disadvantages of
of amino-aldehyde
amino‐aldehyde polymer.
polymer.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Outstanding thermodynamic
Outstanding thermodynamic and mechanical
and mechanicalproperties. ExpensiveExpensive
properties. [68]. [68].
Not
Not toxic. DecreasedDecreased the permeability
the permeability up to 25%. up to 25 %.
More compatible with the fluid in the formation
More compatible with the fluid in the formation [69].[69]. The issues of placement
The issues of placement and reliability.and reliability.
Melamine formaldehyde is stain‐resistant and resistant to Short intervals injection.
Melamine formaldehyde is stain-resistant and resistant to
strong solventsand
andwater.
water. Short intervals injection.
strong solvents
Applied in wellbore open. Decreased the permeability up to 25 %.
Applied in wellbore open. Decreased the permeability up to 25%.
No need for screens and liners. Temperature sensitivity up to 110 °C.
No need for screens and liners. Temperature sensitivity up to 110 ◦ C.
More economic than mechanical methods. Difficult to apply, [34].
More economic
Applied than mechanicalwells.
for multi‐completion methods. Difficult to apply, [34].
Multiple phases for consolidating.
Applied for multi-completion wells. Increased
Multiple phases the compressive strength only up
for consolidating.
Used in wells having all sizes of perforations. to 1531 psi.
Increased the compressive strength only up to 1531 psi.
Control fine sand particles. Ingestion leads to kidney failure [70].
Control fine sand particles. Ingestion leads to kidney failure [70].
6. Silicate Polymer
6. Silicate Polymer
Silicate is any member of a family of anions that contains silicon and oxygen, Figure 7. Silicate
Silicate
anions is any
are often member
large of a family
polymeric of anions
molecules with anthat containsvariety
extensive siliconofand oxygen,containing
structures, Figure 7. Silicate
chains
anions are often large polymeric molecules with an extensive variety of structures, containing
and rings, [71]. Silicates are found in a variety of structures. Many of them are identified from their chains
and rings, [71].
crystalline stateSilicates
and are areinfound in a variety
a highly of structures.
polymeric Many
forms [72]. of them
Organic are identified
silicates shows from their
excessive
crystalline state and are in a highly polymeric forms [72]. Organic silicates shows excessive
differences in physical properties, depending primarily on the position of the metal and on the alkyl differences
in physical
group [73]. properties, depending primarily on the position of the metal and on the alkyl group [73].
Figure 7. Chemical structure of silicate.
As an application
application to oxidation,
oxidation, Anthony [74] used organic silicate, alcohol and water for
hydrolyzing and forming a coating-like
coating‐like binding agent which could consolidateconsolidate and strengthen
strengthen
unconsolidated sand formation in two steps, Table 9. Firstly, organic silicate and alcohol are injected
into the target formation
formation followed by water.
water. The water can cause the organic silicate to hydrolyzehydrolyze
and polymerize. He utilized
utilized the
the proton
proton source water which
which contains
contains aa weak
weak base
base and
and a strong acid,
where
where the
thestrong
strongacids
acidsare
areunsafe
unsafeaspects
aspectstotobebeused inin
used thethe
treatment.
treatment.Some
Somechemical materials
chemical may
materials be
may
sensitive to formation sand and fluid type. The alcohol-silicate solution reacts with residual
be sensitive to formation sand and fluid type. The alcohol‐silicate solution reacts with residual formation
water, present
formation in less
water, mobile
present areas
in less of the
mobile formation,
areas not sweptnot
of the formation, by swept
both alcohol
by bothand silicate
alcohol andsolution
silicate
and water. Therefore, it is needed to preflush the target formation with a liquid, such as alcohol that
will totally displace the formation water. Alcohol has low surface tension reaction with water, so it
is preferable preflush for the formation. He concluded that it is necessary to use new consolidating
materials, which are safer and less sensitive to formation and sand fluid, to avoid the problems of safety
issues and the negative effect on the formation [74]. Shu [75] applied three phases to consolidate the
sand formation. Initially, an aqueous silicate solution was injected into the production zone through
the perforated casing. After that, a water-immiscible hydrocarbonaceous liquid as a spacer volume
was injected to the zone. Finally, a water-miscible organic solvent including inorganic salt and an
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 15 of 30
alkylpolysilicate was injected into the zone. The aqueous silicate solution is an ammonium silicate
solution. The rock that had undergone aqueous silicate solution consolidation was examined at 79.5 ◦ C,
and the retention permeability is high without a specific value of permeability retention [75]. Dwivedi
and Singh [76] analyzed non-polymeric materials, such as sodium silicate. They reported that the
compressive strength resulted from the consolidation is in the range of 0–398 psi at temperature ranging
from 20 to 60 ◦ C. Cobianco et al. [77] used a three-stages process to control sand production in oil
fields. Initially, 3% KCl was injected as a preflush to avert any contact between the formation water
and the sodium silicate. The second stage, non-polymeric materials like sodium silicate solution was
injected through the wellbore into the sand zone. In the same phase, the viscosity of sodium silicate
solution was decreased by using a dilution fluid. A weak organic acid solution was injected in order to
stabilize the amorphous silica network. The final stage, the nitrogen gas was injected as an overflush
removing the extra of silicate solution from the porespaces and drying the sodium silicate coating
sand grains and to promote sodium silicate salts precipitation. The experimental investigation on
formation samples after the application of sodium silicate method disclosed that permeability retention
was (70–80)% and the compressive strength was (284–427) psi at 60 ◦ C [77]. Some advantages and
disadvantages of silicate polymer methods as reported in literature are summarized in Table 10.
Table 9. Silicate polymer methods to consolidate sand formation.
Anthony [74] organic silicate - - -
Shu [75] an aqueous silicate solution - - 79.5
Dwivedi and Singh [76] sodium silicate solution 0–398 - 20, 40, 60
a permeability
Cobianco et al. [77] sodium silicate solution 284–427 retention was 60
(70–80)%
Table 10. Advantages and disadvantages of silicate polymer.
Safer and less sensitive to formation and sand fluid,
to avoid the problems of safety issues and the Increased the compressive strength only up to 427 psi.
negative effect on the formation [74].
The retention permeability is high without given a
The issues of placement and reliability.
specific value of permeability retention [75].
Adding silicates decrease the viscosity of slurries. Short intervals injection.
Adding silicates decrease firing time, sinter shrinkage. Temperature sensitivity up to 79.5 ◦ C.
Increases the strength of the materials. Multiple phases for consolidating.
Silicates rise temperature and acid resistance [78].
7. Oxidation and Hydrocarbon

The crude oil and oxygen were used to consolidate the sand formation. When the crude oil reacts
with oxygen, an oxygenated hydrocarbon, coke-like material, aldehydes, alcohols can be obtained [79].
As an application to oxidation, Jennings et al. [80] used a method for heating an unconsolidated
sand formation in a zone penetrated by a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir. The method involves
in-situ combustion of the formation to cause consolidation of the sandstone matrix, in which the
consolidated sand acts as a natural and effective barrier to the passage of formation sand to the well-bore.
A combustion-supporting oxygenated foam can be injected through a well into the unconsolidated
sand formation. The foam can be made using any hydrocarbon product like diesel as the base fluid.
Combustion can be initiated between the oxygenated foam and the hydrocarbons in the reservoir
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 16 of 30
to burn the hydrocarbons in the unconsolidated sand, and create a sand consolidated zone that acts
as a barrier between the reservoir and wellbore. The burning of the hydrocarbons can be increased
by increasing the oxygen concentration. The combustion is initiated using a combustion igniter
throughout the conduit from the surface into the target zone [80]. Barclay et al. have used an electrical
igniter, while Shu has applied gas-fired burner [81,82]. The study of the oxygenated foam indicated
that the compressive strength was 3000 psi and the permeability to the original was 70% at 138 ◦ C, [80].
Aggour et al. [83] and Osman et al. [84] used low-temperature oxidation of crude oil in sand formation
consolidation. They reported that the compressive strength following this process is in the range
375–1264 psi and the permeability loss was 22%, [83,84]. In another study, Aggour et al. [85] developed
LTO method by using six fluids: Arabian Heavy Crude Oil, aged samples from the crude oil, refinery
heavy residue, three different concentrations 40%, 60% and 80%, of asphalt-reformate solutions. They
observed that the compressive strength was (1800–2300) psi and the retained permeability to the
original was (86.4–95.5%) at (100–150) ◦ C [85]. Khamatnurova [86] used a long chain hydrocarbon
viscosifier, a curing agent and a thiol crosslinking agent to control the sand formation, (See Table 11).
Some pros and cons of oxidation and hydrocarbon methods as reported in literature are summarized
in Table 12.
Table 11. Oxidation and hydrocarbon methods to consolidate sand formation.
a permeability to the
Jennings et al. [80] oxygenated foam 3000 138
original 70%
low-temperature oxidation
Aggour et al. [83] 375–1264 a permeability loss was 22% 100–150
(LTO) of crude oil
retained permeability to the
Aggour et al. [85] the developed LTO 1800–2300 100–150
original (86.4–95.5%)
a long chain hydrocarbon
Khamatnurova [86] viscosifier, a curing agent and a >300 - 60
thiol crosslinking agent
Table 12. Advantages and disadvantages of oxidation and hydrocarbon methods.
Increased the compressive strength up to 3000 psi. The issues of placement and reliability.
Applied in opened wellbore. Short intervals injection.
Without screens and liners. Temperature sensitivity up to 150 ◦ C.
More economic than mechanical methods.
Applied for multi-completion wells.
Control fine sand particles.
8. Shape Memory Polymers

They are known as intelligent materials that can return from a deformed state temporary shape to
their original permanent shape due to the effect of an external stimulus like temperature. They can
be stimuli-responsive materials. Alloys, ceramics, polymers and gels can be applied to exhibit shape
memory behavior [87–89]. Shape memory polymers can be molded into a cylindrical geometry with
a pre-specified outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID). The Shape memory polymers can go
through a geometric alteration process to achieve the required run-in diameter. The Shape memory
polymers have pore throat structures with diameter of 60–160 µm. This material can be used to permit
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 17 of 30
all particles less than 43 microns to flow easily through the filter screen and stop the sand particles
greater than 43 microns to control sand production. Carrejo et al. [25], Wang et al. [90], Leung et al. [91],
and Fuxa et al. [92] used shape memory polymers to control the sand formation, (See Table 13).
The used shape memory polymers have shown permeability ranges from 5 to 600 mD at temperature
of 37.8–93.3 ◦ C [25,91,92]. Some advantages and disadvantages of shape memory polymers methods
as reported in literature are summarized in Table 14.
Table 13. Shape memory polymers methods to consolidate sand formation.
Compressive Permeability Temperature

Reference Materials
Strength (psi) (D) Range (◦ C)
Shape Memory Polymer A
Carrejo et al. [25] pore throat (60–160) µm. Less - 80 60
than 44 µm to pass through.
Wang and
Shape Memory Polymer - Over 30 4.4, (37.8–93.3)
Osunjaye [90]
Leung et al. [91],
Shape Memory Polymer 0.005–0.6 60
Fuxa et al. [92]
Table 14. Advantages and disadvantages of shape memory polymers methods.
Stop the sand particles greater than 43 microns to
High elastic deformation.
control sand production.
Low cost. Temperature sensitivity up to 93 ◦ C.
Low density.
Low biocompatibility.
Low biodegradability.
Capable of recovering under low deformation level [93].
9. Hydrolysate or Precondensate Consolidation Agent

Also, some chemical materials such as a hydrolysate or precondensate were investigated to control
the sand production in the petroleum industry. The hydrolysate or precondensate contains at least
one organosilane and one hydrolysable silane. The organosilicon compound includes carbon silicon
bonds C-Si. The word hydrolysis is derived from combining the word hydro, which means water, and
the word lysis which means unbind. The hydrolysable silanes can be prepared by reacting an alkyl
Y − OC(O) − CHBr − CH2 Br with an amine of the formula Z-NH2 . Example of hydrolysable silanes is
shown
Polymers in Figure
2020, 8, [94].
12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 18 of 30
Figure 8. Chemical structure of dimethyldiethoxysilane and silane.
As application of hydrolysate or precondensate consolidation agent, Endres et al. [95] used a

consolidation agent which comprises a hydrolysate or precondensate to control sand production in
oil industry, Table 15. They demonstrated that the application results in a compressive strength of
335 psi at 150 ℃ [95]. Some benefits and drawbacks of hydrolysate or precondensate consolidation
agent method as reported in literature are summarized in Table 16.
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 18 of 30
As application of hydrolysate or precondensate consolidation agent, Endres et al. [95] used a

consolidation agent which comprises a hydrolysate or precondensate to control sand production in
oil industry, Table 15. They demonstrated that the application results in a compressive strength of
335 psi at 150 ◦ C [95]. Some benefits and drawbacks of hydrolysate or precondensate consolidation
agent method as reported in literature are summarized in Table 16.
Table 15. Hydrolysate or precondensate consolidation agent method to consolidate sand formation.
Compressive
Reference Materials Permeability Temperature (◦ C)
Strength (psi)
Endres et al. [95] a hydrolysate 335 - 150
Table 16. Advantages and disadvantages of hydrolysate or precondensate consolidation agent method.
Silane coupling agents are compounds whose
molecules comprise function groups that bond with Increased the compressive strength only up to 335 psi.
organic and inorganic materials.
Silane coupling agents are useful to improve the
mechanical strength of composite materials.
Silane coupling agents improve adhesion. Short intervals injection.
Heat resistance. Temperature sensitivity up to 150 ◦ C.
High cross-linking [96].
10. Permeability Enhancing Additive (PEA)

Permeability enhancing additive (PEA) is a chemical material which acts as a diluter of the
resin. The permeability enhancing additive (PEA) has two functions. The first function is to decrease
the viscosity of the resin to be easily pumping into the wellbore. The second function can be used
as the liquid phase to fill in the pore spaces of the consolidated sand formation to prevent the
permeability reduction.
As examples of the implementation of permeability enhancing additive (PEA), Kalgaonkar et al. [97]
have conducted experiments using resin composing of two chemical components (donated as A and
B) assisted with permeability enhancing additive (PEA), Table 17. The first chemical component is the
main resin chemical while the second component is the curing agent for the resin chemical, which is
used to produce a low viscosity fluid for easy pumping. The optimum composition of the chemical
components was found to be 1:1:0.8 (A: B: PEA). When investigating the resin with PEA they found
that the consolidated sand pack yield strength is 4–6 times the compressive strength of the original core,
with values exceeding 1000 psi. In addition, the new method has shown other attractive attributes,
including easy mixing procedure, maintaining the permeability, and higher controllable curing time
up to some days, so averting any premature setting of the resin in the wellbore [97]. Some advantages
and disadvantages of permeability enhancing additive (PEA) method as reported in literature are
summarized in Table 18.
Table 17. Permeability enhancing additive (PEA) method to consolidate sand formation.
Strength (psi) (◦ C)
Kalgaonkar et al. a permeability enhancing 70% regain
1000 90
[97] additive (PEA) permeability
Table 17. Permeability enhancing additive (PEA) method to consolidate sand formation.
Strength (psi) (°C)
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 19 of 30
Kalgaonkar et a permeability enhancing 70% regain
1000 90
al. [97] additive (PEA) permeability
Table 18. Advantages and disadvantages of permeability enhancing additive (PEA) method.
Table 18. Advantages and disadvantages of permeability enhancing additive (PEA) method.
Decrease the the
Decrease viscosity of the
viscosity resinresin
of the to betoeasily pumping
be easily into
pumping Increasedthe
Increased thecompressive
compressivestrength
strengthonly
only up to
the into
wellbore.
the wellbore. up1000 psi. psi.
to 1000
CanCan
be used as the
be used liquid
as the phase
liquid to fill
phase toin
fillthe
in pore spaces
the pore of the Short intervals injection.
spaces
consolidation sand formation
of the consolidation to preventto
sand formation the permeability
prevent the of Short intervals injection.
the permeability
formation. of the formation.
Easy in term of mixing procedure. Temperaturesensitivity
sensitivityupuptoto90 ◦C
90°C
Easy in term of mixing procedure. Temperature
Maintains
Maintains the the permeability.
permeability.
Can give a controllable curing time up to some days, so
Can give a controllable curing time up to some days, so
avoiding
avoiding anyany premature
premature setting
setting of theofresin
the resin
in thein the
wellbore [97].
wellbore [97].
11.11.Polyurethane
PolyurethaneResins
Resins
Polyurethane
Polyurethaneresins can
resins be be
can formed by the
formed polyols
by the and and
polyols organic polyisocryanates
organic polyisocryanatesreaction, as shown
reaction, as
inshown
Figurein
9.Figure
In addition, some additives
9. In addition, can be added
some additives to the solution
can be added namely
to the solution catalysts,
namely foaming
catalysts, agents,
foaming
surfactants and crosslinking
agents, surfactants agents. Polyurethane
and crosslinking resins have
agents. Polyurethane thehave
resins ability
thetoability
createtosignificant adhesion
create significant
toadhesion
base materials, [98,99].
to base materials, [98,99].
Figure9.9. Chemical
Figure Chemical structure
structure of
of polyurethanes
polyurethanesand
andurethane.
urethane.
As Asapplications
applications of of polyurethane
polyurethane resins sand consolidation,
resins in sand consolidation,Spurlock
Spurlocketetal.al.[100]
[100]applied
applied
keroseneorordiesel
kerosene dieseloiloiland
andpolyurethane
polyurethane solution
solution to control
control the
the sand
sandformation.
formation.They
Theyreported
reported that
that
the compressive strength after the application was 161–600 psi, while the permeability
the compressive strength after the application was 161–600 psi, while the permeability to original to original was
80%
was 80%at 60 60, ◦[100].
at °C Liu et
C, [100]. Liual.et
[24,101] used used
al. [24,101] poly‐oxypropylene diol, poly‐oxyethylene
poly-oxypropylene glycol, poly‐
diol, poly-oxyethylene glycol,
caprolaclone glycol,
poly-caprolaclone and toluene
glycol, to consolidate
and toluene an unconsolidated
to consolidate sand formation,
an unconsolidated Table 19.Table
sand formation, They19.
disclosed
They that that
disclosed the shear strength
the shear cohesion
strength valuesvalues
cohesion for 50%
forpolymer with densities
50% polymer of 1.40,of1.50
with densities and
1.40, 1.50
1.60 g/ 𝑐𝑚 were
2 120.19, 140.28, and 204.22 kPa respectively, [24,101].
and 1.60 g/cm were 120.19, 140.28, and 204.22 kPa respectively, [24,101]. Some pros and consSome pros and cons of of
polyurethaneresins
polyurethane resinsmethods,
methods,as asreported
reported in
in the
the literature
literature and
and summarized
summarizedin inTable
Table20.
20.
Table 19. Polyurethane resins methods to consolidate sand formation.

Table 19. Polyurethane resins methods to consolidate sand formation.
Reference Materials Permeability Temperature
Reference Materials Strength
Compressive Strength Permeability (°C)
(◦ C)
Spurlock et al. kerosene or diesel oil, a permeability
kerosene or diesel oil, polyurethane 161–600 psi a permeability60
to
[100]et al. [100]
Spurlock polyurethane solution. 161–600 psi to original 80% 60
solution. original 80%
Poly-oxypropylene diol, Shear strength (cohesion
Liu et al. [24,101] poly-oxyethylene glycol, values) (120.19, 140.28, - 20
poly-caprolaclone glycol, and toluene. 204.22) kPa
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 20 of 30
Shear strength
Poly‐oxypropylene diol, poly‐
Liu et al. [24], (cohesion values)
[101] Tableoxyethylene glycol, poly‐
20. Advantages and disadvantages of 140.28,
(120.19,
‐ resins methods.
polyurethane 20
caprolaclone glycol, and toluene.
204.22) kPa
Important adhesion to base
Table 20. materials,
Advantages [98,99]. Increased
and disadvantages the compressive
of polyurethane strength only up to 600 psi.
resins methods.
High resistance to weathering.
Advantages The issues of placement and reliability.
Disadvantages
HighImportant
resistanceadhesion
to solvents.
to base materials, [98,99]. ShortIncreased
intervals the compressive strength only up
injection.
to 600 psi.
High resistance to mechanical damage [102]. Temperature sensitivity up to 60 ◦ C.
High resistance to weathering. The issues of placement and reliability.
Elastomers, sealantsto
High resistance and elastoplastics [103].
solvents. Multiple
Shortphases for injection.
intervals consolidating.
HighHigh resistanceadhesives.
performance to mechanical damage [102]. Temperature sensitivity up to 60 °C.
Elastomers, sealants and elastoplastics [103]. Multiple phases for consolidating.
High amounts of crosslinking provide rigid polymers
High performance adhesives.
Thermosetting
High amountspolymer [104].
of crosslinking provide rigid polymers
Thermosetting polymer [104].
12. Polyacrylamide Polymer
12. Polyacrylamide Polymer
The chemical sand consolidation methods discussed above have some unfavorite feature such
The chemical sand consolidation methods discussed above have some unfavorite feature such
as multiple phases for consolidating, environmental unfriendliness, less compressive strength and
as multiple phases for consolidating, environmental unfriendliness, less compressive strength and
difficulty of surface pumping and handling. New developed chemical materials like polyacrylamide
difficulty of surface pumping and handling. New developed chemical materials like polyacrylamide
polymer were used for consolidating the grain sand of the formation. Polyacrylamide has a high
polymer were used for consolidating the grain sand of the formation. Polyacrylamide has a high
molecular weight water soluble or swellable polymer. Polyacrylamide polymer can be a polymer, which
molecular weight water soluble or swellable polymer. Polyacrylamide polymer can be a polymer,
can be obtained from acrylamide subunits, Figure 10. The acrylamide can be an organic compound
which can be obtained from acrylamide subunits, Figure 10. The acrylamide can be an organic
with the chemical
compound formula
with the chemical 2 =CHC(O)NH
CHformula 2 . The properties
CH2=CHC(O)NH of acrylamide are 1.322 g/cc density,
2. The properties of acrylamide are 1.322 g/cc
84.5 ◦ C melting ◦
density, 84.5 ℃point andpoint
melting 138 and
C flash
138 point. The
℃ flash properties
point. of polyacrylamide
The properties solution
of polyacrylamide are 4–6
solution arepH
and 1.11 g/cc at 25 ◦ C in 50 wt.% in H O and (2–3) cP in 15% H O [105].
4–6 pH and 1.11 g/cc at 25 ℃ in 50 wt.% 2 in H2O and (2–3) cP in215% H O [105].
Figure10.
Figure 10.The
The chemical
chemical structure
structure of
ofpolyacrylamide
polyacrylamideand
andacrylamide.
acrylamide.
AsAsapplication
applicationofof polyacrylamide polymerininthethe
polyacrylamide polymer sand
sand consolidation,
consolidation, FalkFalk
[106][106] has studied
has studied an
anaqueous
aqueoussolution
solutioncomprises
comprises ananacrylamide
acrylamide polymer,
polymer, ananaldehyde
aldehyde andanda phenol
a phenol to to
control
controlsand
sand
production. The aqueous solution was applied at 50–100 ℃◦ [106]. Sydansk
production. The aqueous solution was applied at 50–100 C [106]. Sydansk [107] evaluated an [107] evaluated an
acrylamide‐polymer/chromium(III)-
acrylamide-polymer/chromium (III)‐ carboxylate
carboxylate gelgel to matrix
to matrix reservoirs
reservoirs as near‐wellbore
as near-wellbore total total
shutoff
shutoff treatments.
treatments. Thisapplied
This gel was gel was applied at temperature
at temperature up to 127 ◦ C up[107].
to 127 ℃ [107].
Mixing Mixingsolution
a polymer a polymerwith a
solution with a cross‐linker which is called hydrogel can be used to control sand formation
cross-linker which is called hydrogel can be used to control sand formation because it has adjustable because
it has adjustable
viscosity, viscosity,
lower required lower required
concentration concentration
and good injectivityand goodSalehi
[108]. injectivity
et al. [108]. Salehi ethydrolyzed
[108] studied al. [108]
studied hydrolyzed acrylamido propyl sulfonated acid (polyacrylamide polymer sodium salt) and a
acrylamido propyl sulfonated acid (polyacrylamide polymer sodium salt) and a cross-linker chromium
cross‐linker chromium triacetate to control sand production. Their study showed that the
triacetate to control sand production. Their study showed that the compressive strength was risen 30
compressive strength was risen 30 times the original one and a growth in the polymer and the cross‐
times the original one and a growth in the polymer and the cross-linker provides an increase in the
linker provides an increase in the compressive strength of the remediation sand formation. The study
compressive strength of the remediation sand formation. The study of the polymer and the cross-linker
of the polymer and the cross‐linker demonstrated a positive impact on sand consolidation. However,
demonstrated a positive impact on sand consolidation. However, there is also a lack of investigation in
there is also a lack of investigation in the sand consolidation mechanism, permeability measurements
theand
sand consolidation
the measurements mechanism, permeability
were conducted measurements
at only 90 ℃ [108], andTable
the measurements were conducted
21. Some advantages and
◦
at only 90 C [108], Table 21. Some advantages and disadvantages of polyacrylamide polymer methods
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 21 of 30
Table 21. Polyacrylamide polymer methods to consolidate sand formation.
Strength Range (◦ C)
aqueous solution comprises an
Falk [106] - - (50–100)
acrylamide polymer
Sydansk [107] an acrylamide-polymer - - up to 127
polymer hydrolyzed
acrylamido propyl sulfonated 30 times the
Salehi et al. [108] - 90
acid and a cross-linker original one
chromium triacetate
Table 22. Advantages and disadvantages of polyacrylamide polymer method.
Improves a sand consolidation with high compressive strength
30 times the original one.
Has adjustable viscosity [108]. Short intervals injection.
Flocculate solids in a liquid [109].
Has thermal stability. Multiple phases for consolidating.
Has good mechanical strength.
Water-soluble polymer.
Has high ionic conductivity [110].
Polyacrylamide polymers have effects of filming and
preventing scale [111].
Polyacrylamide polymers can be cross-linked.
Polyacrylamide polymers can be drag-reducing agent [112].
Polyacrylamide polymers can be water treatment agent [113].
13. Water-Based and Saline-Based

Some researchers used water-based and saline-based chemical materials to consolidate loose
sand formation. Bhasker et al. [114] and Songire et al. [115] applied an aqueous-based epoxy resin
to consolidate the sand formation. Othman et al. 2017 [116] utilized a solvent-based epoxy resin to
control the sand formation in Peninsular Malaysia, Table 23. Shang [69] used a melamine formaldehyde
resin water-based to dilute the solution to become less viscous and easier to pump. Furthermore,
the melamine formaldehyde resin has an outstanding thermodynamic and mechanical properties, is
not toxic, is more compatible with the fluid in the formation, has good compressive strength (742–911)
psi and permeability (932 mD to 2736 mD) [69]. However, the compressive strength and permeability
were measured at 60 ◦ C only. Another limitation of the melamine formaldehyde resin is that the resin
is expensive, [68]. Reddy et al. [117] investigated polymerizable aqueous consolidation composition
for a formation sand control, Table 23. The polymerizable aqueous consolidation composition contains
a water-based fluid, a polyvalent metal salt of a carboxylic. Additionally, polymerization agents,
a water-soluble polymerization initiator, solids-free, aqueous flush fluid, a solvent, a non-ionic
carboxylic acid derived comonomer, a coupling agent, a polymerization retarder and/or crosslinker
can be added to the polymerizable aqueous consolidation to improve the polymerization and curing
process. The polymerization agents are the chemical materials which can accelerate the rates of
the polymerization aqueous consolidation. The water-soluble polymerization initiator can be used
to initiate polymerization and curing of the polymerizable aqueous consolidation composition.
The solids-free, aqueous flush fluid are utilized to remove the polymerizable aqueous consolidation
composition from interstitial spaces between the coated, unconsolidated particulates or between the
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 22 of 30
coated, proppant particulates in the proppant pack. A solvent, such as an alcohol can be added to
the aqueous consolidation composition to aid in the solubility and/or polymerization and curing of
the polyvalent metal salt of carboxylic acid. The non-ionic carboxylic acid derived comonomer can
be added to the polymerizable aqueous consolidation composition to improve the polymerization.
A coupling agent can help to bond, adsorb or/and consolidate materials which have different polarities.
Polymerization retarders can be applied to slow down the polymerization reaction. A crosslinker can
be utilized to help in the formation of a water insoluble three-dimensional polymer network when
the water-soluble polymerization initiator composition starts polymerization [117]. George et al. [118]
applied saline-based resin method to consolidate sand formation, Table 23. They disclosed that
the benefits of saline-based resin method are safer, environmentally friendly, and low viscos (1 cP)
(i.e., requiring less pumping pressure). Besides, a value of regained permeability is more than 80% while
the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) is about 200 psi. In general, the saline-based resin method
is operative to consolidate sand formations with clay (up to 15%), [118]. Nonetheless, the previous
saline-based resin methods have less unconfined compressive strength, approximately (200–911) psi
compare to the other methods. Some benefits and drawbacks of water-based and saline-based methods
Table 23. Water-based and saline-based methods to consolidate sand formation.
Compressive
Reference Materials Permeability Temperature (◦ C)
Strength (psi)
an aqueous based epoxy regained
Bhasker et al. [114] - 27–113
resin permeability 80%
an aqueous based epoxy
Songire et al. [115] - - -
resin
regained
Othman et al. [116] a solvent-based epoxy resin 1310 85
permeability 87%
a melamine formaldehyde
Shang et al. [69] 742–911 932 mD to 2736 mD 60
resin water-based
a polyvalent metal salt of a
Reddy et al. [117] 647 - 100
carboxylic water-based
regained
George et al. [118] saline-based 200 -
permeability 80%
Table 24. Advantages and disadvantages of water-based and saline-based methods.
Safer. Increased the compressive strength only up to 200 psi.
Environmentally friendly. Temperature sensitivity up to 113 ◦ C.
Low viscos (1 cP) (i.e., requiring less pumping pressure).
A value of regained permeability is (more than 80%)
Applied in wellbore open.
No need for screens and liners.
More economic than mechanical methods [36]
14. Nanoparticles Materials

Recently, nanoparticles materials have been used intensively in the oil industry [119]. Some
nanoparticles materials were used to consolidate the sand formation because they give new properties
as well as change the properties of the resins [120]. Espin et al. [120] investigated the application of
(1–200 nm) nanoparticles formed of molecules of organic, such as hydroxyls and inorganic like SiO2
silica to form a bond of enough strength with adjacent contacting grains whereby the sand formation
is consolidated, Table 25. In accordance with the prior method, the component of inorganic has an
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 23 of 30
attraction for the sand grains. In addition, the organic component permits polymerization bonding of
the inorganic component to contact sand grains under non-acidic (basic pH) conditions. They showed
that the nanoparticles materials can significantly improve formation strength without negatively
impacting the permeability and porosity. They used aqueous suspension of nanoparticles and the
water-based fluid was used as a displacing fluid to dislodge formation fluids into unconsolidated
formation and away from the well. Mishra and Ojha [67] studied silicon dioxide nanoparticles (10–20 nm
particle size) with urea formaldehyde resin [UF] to improve the capacity of urea formaldehyde polymer
chain to bind the grains of sand together at their contact point, Table 25. The UF-nanoSiO2 solution
provided a compressive strength of more than 2000 psi, but with a reduction in permeability (losses
between 4.53% and 11.56%). In addition, they reveal that adding of nanoSiO2 in the urea-formaldehyde
causes further growth in the viscosity [67]. Kalgaonkar et al. [121] have studied positively charged
modified nanoparticle (5 nm–50 nm) of silica to consolidate a sand formation, Table 25. The sand
consolidation contains colloidal silica particles modified, a cationic polymer and a pH modifier.
A coated silica particle containing a cationic species non-covalently can bound an outer surface of the
particle, to acquire a totally consolidated sand formation. The consolidated mass of sand particles
may have strength to hold a pressure load of 700–1000 lbf. Experimental investigation, by check
processes, on the modified nanosilica indicated that the consolidated particles are permeable. The check
process was conducted as follow, initially, unconsolidated sand was packed in a syringe. After that,
the modified nanosilica composition was injected into the sand in the syringe. The treated syringes
were put in an oven at 100 ◦ C for 24 h. The treated sand was then removed to the consolidated sand
packs. Finally, to check the consolidated packs, two mL of two percent Nacl aqueous solution was
injected through the consolidated sand pack. The results revealed that the sand pack has absorbed
the NaCl injected solution. The modified nanosilica measurements were conducted at temperature of
24–177 ◦ C [121]. Some advantages and disadvantages of nanoparticles materials methods as reported
in literature are summarized in Table 26.
Table 25. Nanoparticles materials methods to consolidate sand formation.
Temperature
Reference Materials Compressive Strength Permeability
Range (◦ C)
hydroxyls and inorganic Young’s Modulus 1 ×
Espin et al. [120] - -
like SiO2 (1–200 nm) 106 psi
silicon dioxide permeability losses
Mishra and Ojha [67] nanoparticles with urea 2000 psi between 4.53% and 60–160
formaldehyde resin [UF] 11.56%
positively charged
Kalgaonkar and hold a pressure load
modified particles of - (24–177)
Fakuen [121] (700–1000) lbf
nanosilica
Table 26. Advantages and disadvantages of nanoparticles materials methods.
Nanoparticles used as a displacing fluid to dislodge formation fluids
Temperature sensitivity up to 177 ◦ C.
into unconsolidated formation and away from the well [120].
Nanoparticles can form a monolayer of consolidating material across the
loose sand to control the sand formation with desired permeability
characteristics. The monolayer can cement the sand grains together and
ensures a retained permeability through the treatment material to
facilitate production of hydrocarbons.
The nanoparticles materials can sigificately improve formation strength
without negatively impacting the permeability and porosity [121].
Polymers 2020, 12, 1069 24 of 30
15. Conclusions
This article reviews and discusses the application of chemical sand consolidation for controlling
sand production from hydrocarbon reservoirs. It recapitulates the characteristics, advantages and
disadvantages of different sand consolidation agents, and highlights the improvement trend along
their application history. In general, the favorable features of chemical sand consolidation can be
summarized as: (i) The applicability for multi-completion wells; (ii) the ability to be carried out in wells
having all sizes of perforations, (iii) ability to restrict the migration of fine sand particles completely
outside of critical flow region; (iv) applicability for open-hole completions; (v) no mechanical risks
associated with screen placement through tubing and in slim hole applications; (vi) does not need
any downhole equipment, hence no rig is required and; (vii) more economic than mechanical sand
consolidation. The efficiency of a chemical sand consolidation material is typically evaluated, based on
its effectiveness in increasing the compressive strength of the targeted rock. However, this is always
associated with undesired reduction in rock permeability. Selecting a material that can generate the
desired compressive strength, but with the least permeability reduction, is essential. In addition, each
of chemical material has its own pros and cons. Thus, the techniques should be selected based on the
cost, requirements and reservoir conditions like pressure and temperature.
Many types of polymers have been used to consolidate sand formations such as epoxy,
furan, phenol-formaldehyde polymer and polyacrylamide polymer etc. In addition, some types
of non-polymeric materials, namely silicate and oxidation, were used occasionally to consolidate
loose sand formations at different reservoir conditions. Although most of these sand consolidation
agents showed remarkable compressive strength, they suffered from other limitations like reduction in
the initial permeability up to 50%, the requirement for high pumping pressure, the requirement for
multistage injection, low thermal stability, and multiple phases for consolidating.
In recent years, the technology of chemical sand consolidation application has been improved
via enhancing their properties and/or using more innovative materials, such as nanoparticles.
Employing nanoparticles in sand control applications has been proven to be promising and an
attractive consolidation agent especially at high pressure high temperature conditions. It is concluded
that nanoparticles can significantly improve compressive strength with minimal negative impact on
the permeability and porosity of sand formation. This review can serve as a screening guide for
engineers and scientist to select the chemical method most suitable for sand consolidation of particular
unconsolidated formation.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, F.S.A. and M.E.M.; methodology, F.S.A. and M.E.M.; writing—original
draft preparation, F.S.A.; writing—review and editing, M.E.M., A.S.M., T.G., N.H.; visualization, F.S.A. and
M.E.M.; supervision, M.E.M.; project administration, M.E.M.; funding acquisition, M.E.M. All authors have read
and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by PETRONAS YUTP-FRG, grant number 015LC0-226.
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank the Yayasan Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (YUTP FRG
Grant No: 015LC0-226) at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS for providing the financial support.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Alakbari Et Al. (2020) Chemical Sand Consolidation From Polymers

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polymers

Polymers 2020, 12, 1069; doi:10.3390/polym12051069 www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers

Figure 1. Causes and problems of sand production.

T0 is the tensile strength of the material.

Figure 2. Chemical sand consolidation.

Table 2. Advantages and disadvantages of phenol-formaldehyde resin and urea-formaldehyde resin.

Table 3. Furan resin methods to control sand formation.

Figure 4. Chemical structure of furfuryl alcohol and furfural.

Young [39] tried

Table 4. Advantages and disadvantages of furan resin.

Table 5. Epoxy resin methods to consolidate sand formation.

Table 6. Advantages and disadvantages of epoxy resin.

Figure 6. Chemical structure of melamine and aminoacetaldehyde.

Figure 7. Chemical structure of silicate.

Table 9. Silicate polymer methods to consolidate sand formation.

Table 10. Advantages and disadvantages of silicate polymer.

7. Oxidation and Hydrocarbon

Table 11. Oxidation and hydrocarbon methods to consolidate sand formation.

Table 12. Advantages and disadvantages of oxidation and hydrocarbon methods.

8. Shape Memory Polymers

Table 13. Shape memory polymers methods to consolidate sand formation.

Compressive Permeability Temperature

Table 14. Advantages and disadvantages of shape memory polymers methods.

9. Hydrolysate or Precondensate Consolidation Agent

Figure 8. Chemical structure of dimethyldiethoxysilane and silane.

As application of hydrolysate or precondensate consolidation agent, Endres et al. [95] used a

As application of hydrolysate or precondensate consolidation agent, Endres et al. [95] used a

10. Permeability Enhancing Additive (PEA)

Table 19. Polyurethane resins methods to consolidate sand formation.

Table 21. Polyacrylamide polymer methods to consolidate sand formation.

Table 22. Advantages and disadvantages of polyacrylamide polymer method.

13. Water-Based and Saline-Based

Table 23. Water-based and saline-based methods to consolidate sand formation.

Table 24. Advantages and disadvantages of water-based and saline-based methods.

14. Nanoparticles Materials

Table 25. Nanoparticles materials methods to consolidate sand formation.

Table 26. Advantages and disadvantages of nanoparticles materials methods.

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