Carbonate Rock Chemical Consolidation Methods: Advancementand Applications

Chemical consolidation of rocks is a common practicein the petroleum industry. Usually, this technique is applied to sustainproduction from unconsolidated or weak sandstone formations and toavoid collapse from aging wells. Recent research has shown thesignificance of rock hardness in sustaining long-term conductivity ofhydraulic fractures in carbonate formations. There are some notableattempts to adapt the techniques used in the cultural heritage industryfor strengthening carbonate formations. Moreover, a novel carbonaterock strengthening methodology was developed that involves themineral transformation of calcite to harder minerals. This workdescribes the existing techniques for carbonate rock consolidation andprovides extensive research on chemicals that are (or can be) used ascarbonate rock strengthening agents. Furthermore, this review providesthe reaction mechanisms associated with a range of proposedchemicals. Also, laboratory methods that can be used to assess post-treatment hardness and investigate the changes in rockmineralogy are summarized. Finally, the review discusses chemicals with the prospect of their application in petroleumfieldoperations.

Automated summary

This study introduces the existing techniques for carbonate rock consolidation, provides extensive research on chemicals used as strengthening agents, and discusses their reaction mechanisms and laboratory assessment methods. It also explores the potential application of these chemicals in the petroleum industry.