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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method for consolidating an unconsolidated sand with a plasma jet stream

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5432842
In a method for consolidating a sand formation, an ionized gas device is placed in a cased portion of a well at a depth adjacent to the unconsolidated sand. A jet stream of ionized gas is directed from the device through the cased portion of the well and into the unconsolidated sand. The fluid in the borehole is preferably pressurized to cause a flow of fluid from the well through the cased portion and into the unconsolidated sand by maintaining an overpressure within the well. The jet stream is maintained at an extremely high temperature until at least a portion of surfaces of sand grains in the unconsolidated sand are melted so that sand is consolidated by a solidification of melted sand into an intergranular cementing material. (6 claims)
Assignee:
Shell Oil Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3443639
OSTI ID:
5432842
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English