Gravel pack void space removal via high energy impulse

Patent · Tue Dec 08 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5451798

Jennings, Jr, A R

This patent describes a high energy impulse method for removing voids in an in-casing gravel pack used in producing hydrocarbonaceous fluids from a subterranean formation via a deviated wellbore comprising: (a) placing within a well, a high energy impulse device in proximity to a void containing in-casing gravel pack which encompasses a perforated production string; (b) igniting the device which device upon ignition generates energy sufficient to cause turbulence within the gravel pack sufficient to consolidate gravel within the pack and remove voids therefrom without fracturing the formation, damaging the pack or production string assembly; (c) determining the existence of an additional void in the pack; and (d) repeating steps (a), (b) and (c) until all voids are removed from the pack, thereby consolidating the pack and preventing fines from accumulating in a void.

• Assignee: Mobil Oil Corp., New York, NY
• Patent Number(s): US 4711302
• OSTI ID: 5451798
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FUNCTION GENERATORS
IGNITION
MONITORING
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
OPERATION
PACKINGS
PULSATIONS
PULSE GENERATORS
PULSE TECHNIQUES
VOIDS
WELL SERVICING
WELLS