Sodium silicate applications in oil, gas & geothermal well operations

A myriad of current routine well operations are more efficiently and cost-effectively performed applying nano-sodium silicate (SS) in practice. Polymerization and precipitation of silicate colloid make all this possible. Nanosilicate has unique properties being water-soluble, non-flammable, non-explosive, inorganic, non-toxic, environment-friendly, and cost-effective. This paper reviews the manufacture, chemistry, HSE advantages, current and emerging applications of SS in the oil/gas/geothermal well operations, and technical challenges. Wells with troublesome shales can be drilled more efficiently by including SS in the drilling fluid as compared to traditional oil-based muds (OBM) and lost circulation readily remedied with methods involving SS. As a spacer pumped ahead of a cement slurry, SS in the preflush enhances mud displacement for improved primary cementing results - efficient zonal isolation in the borehole. SS, as a cement additive for primary cementing, is a typical accelerator to shorten thickening time and lightweight extender. Procedures using SS are commonplace to restore casing integrity and to enhance EOR conformance and water shutoff. Reservoir stimulations, both acidizing and hydraulic fracturing, demonstrate unique benefits when SS is a component of the fluids. SS facilitates more efficient, well abandonment. All the applications are better understood, knowing the chemistry mechanisms of the processes. Plus, this technology allows ample room for future improvements in a wide variety of well operations.