Sand control method using deformable non-spherical particulates
Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. In addition, the non-spherical particulates exhibit higher conductivity at higher stresses than spherical shaped particulates.
1. A sand control method for a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, comprising:
(a) introducing into the wellbore a fluid comprising a carrier fluid and deformable non-spherical particulates having an aspect ratio less than or equal to 5.0:1.0;
(b) forming a gravel pack of the particulates around the exterior of a screening device;
(c) positioning the screening device in an open hole or inside a well casing within the wellbore; and
(d) preventing sand, formation fines or a combination thereof from migrating into the wellbore while allowing passage of formation fluids from the subterranean formation into the wellbore.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the deformable non-spherical particulates are porous.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the deformable non-spherical particulates are non-porous.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the deformable non-spherical particulates are coated with a resin or a glazing material.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the amount of resin coated on the deformable non-spherical particulates is from about 0.5 to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the proppant.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the aspect ratio is less than or equal to 2.5:1.0.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carrier fluid is gelled.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carrier fluid is non-gelled.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carrier fluid is a gas.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the carrier fluid is nitrogen or carbon dioxide.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the deformable non-spherical particulates have a shape which is substantially oblong, elliptical or cylindrical.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the deformable non-spherical particulates have an apparent specific gravity between from 1.0 to about 4.0.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the deformable non-spherical particulates have an apparent specific gravity between from about 1.05 to about 2.0.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the deformable non-spherical particulates have an apparent specific gravity less than or equal to 2.0.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-spherical particulates are introduced into the wellbore in a mixture with spherical particulates.