Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

Sand Control Chemical

Products And Services
Halliburton Sand Control offers many products and systems
to prevent sand production. The development of these
FracPac™ Fluid Systems
products and systems is based on customer needs as well as
comprehensive research in the areas of polymer chemistry, Halliburton has formulated fracturing fluid systems designed
resins and plastics, fluids rheology, and formation damage to meet the energy industry’s needs for offshore stimulation,
prevention. As exemplified by the Ex-tension PacSM service such as SeaQuest® service and DeepQuestSM service. These
concept, the key to effective sand control service is the systems are formulated to provide reliable treatments under a
adaptation of these products and systems to the complex wide range of well and reservoir conditions while reducing
array of conditions that exist in oil and gas wells throughout non-productive time and optimizing stimulation results.
the world. Thorough knowledge of worldwide sand control
procedures and practices ensures that the service treatments SeaQuest® Service
Halliburton recommends and uses will be the most effective
SeaQuest service features a seawater-based fluid system for
available in today's marketplace and the most compatible
stimulating offshore reservoirs up to 300°F—both
with the formation. Professional personnel using dedicated
consolidated and unconsolidated. This versatile system is
and specialized laboratory equipment, facilities, and
appropriate for both offshore fracturing and FracPacSM
computer-enhanced design programs gain insight into the
service in either shelf or deepwater environments.
critical role of formation and downhole conditions. Local
Specifically designed for seawater mixing, the system does
experience in every part of the world, coupled with a
not produce damaging precipitates and provides greater
dedicated support team, ensures selection of the optimum
flexibility for job design and delivery.
sand control technique. Halliburton offers a variety of
chemicals and chemical systems for gravel pack carrier fluids,
SeaQuest service features an HPG-based polymer and a
FracPac™ system fluids, wellbore cleanup systems, matrix
proprietary blended crosslinker. This system combined with
acid stimulation systems, lost circulation materials (LCM),
on-the-fly mixing ability greatly increases the volume of frac
and resins as well as techniques to accommodate all sand
fluids an offshore stimulation vessel can deliver without
control needs.
returning to dock. SeaQuest service also has the latest
developments in environmental advances for
fracturing fluids.
• SeaQuest service:
- Helps reduce delays due to stimulation vessel
scheduling issues inherent with freshwater-based
fluid systems
• InstaVis™ mixing system:
- Helps reduce or eliminate rig operations time
required to prepare frac fluid
- On-the-fly rheology changes are simple
HAL16472

- On-line quality control helps achieve desired fluid

A study of rock properties helps researchers decide the correct
properties
sand control treatment.
Application Range
• Bottomhole temperature
80 to 300°F (27 to 149°C)
• Base fluid density
8.34 lb/gal to 8.7 lb/gal (1.0 to 1.04 specific gravity)

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-1

DeepQuestSM Service Hybor™ Fluids
DeepQuestSM service enables effective stimulation of ultra Hybor™ fluid is a delayed borate crosslinked fluid using guar
deep reservoirs. This high-density borate crosslinked system or HPG gelling agent. Hybor fluid is recommended for wells
provides a typical specific gravity of 1.3 to 1.38, whereas the with bottomhole static temperatures (BHST) of 125° to
typical specific gravity for an aqueous fracturing fluid is 300°F. It is a high viscosity fluid and can be run semi-
1.0 to 1.04. The high density provides extra hydrostatic continuously or batch mixed The crosslinked fluid reheals
pressure at the formation to help reduce the pressure after shearing. Hybor requires precise pH control and is not
requirements on surface equipment. Without this fluid, compatible with carbon dioxide.
many ultra deep wells cannot be fractured due to current
surface equipment pressure limitations. Application Range
• Bottomhole temperature
Application Range
125 to 300°F (52 to 149°C)
• Bottomhole temperature
• Base fluid density
80 to 350°F (27 to 177°C)
8.34 lb/gal to 8.7 lb/gal (1.0 to 1.04 specific gravity)
• Base fluid density
10.5 lb/gal to 12.5 lb/gal (1.3 to 1.38 specific gravity)
Liquid Sand™ Proppant

Delta Frac® Service Liquid Sand™ proppant is a highly concentrated blend of

proppant and carrying fluid. Liquid Sand proppant is
The classic, reduced-polymer-loading system, Delta Frac® metered at very precise rates and is blended with the dilution
service provides viscosity and proppant transport with up fluid to provide the required proppant concentration. Liquid
to 30% less polymer than conventional systems. The fluid Sand proppant from Halliburton can help improve quality
systems reduced polymer loading helps reduce formation control and performance, plus reduce the amount of
damage and provides superior regained conductivity. equipment and personnel on location, the deck space
The fluid system is compatible with both enzyme and required, and the time required.
oxidizing breakers.
Application Range
Application Range • Bottomhole temperature
• Bottomhole temperature Depends on dilution fluid
80 to 200°F (27 to 93°C) • Base fluid density
• Base fluid density 8.43 lb/gal (1.01 specific gravity)
8.34 lb/gal to 8.7 lb/gal (1.0 to 1.04 specific gravity)

Borate Crosslinked Fluids

Halliburton has led the industry in researching borate
crosslinked fluids since the mid-1980s. Continued research
has developed a sound technological foundation for
understanding and optimizing the potential benefits of
borate crosslinked fluids. Research into high-permeability
applications indicates that borate crosslinked fluids are
superior to linear HEC gels in limiting fluid loss to the
formation and creating less fracture damage due to fluid
leakoff. Halliburton's extensive knowledge of borate
chemistry makes it possible to design a fluid system tailored
to a wide range of well conditions.

5-2 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

Gravel Pack Fluid Systems
This service can be designed so the gelled fluid suspends sand
similar to that of a crosslinked gel. At lesser polymer levels, it
produces a “slick brine” consistency giving reduced pumping
friction pressures. The WG-37 base polymer can be rapidly
dispersed in water without going through a complex mixing
protocol or an extended time-consuming hydration period
and its ease of mixing and rapid hydration applies to most of
the brines used in completion operations. The polymer used
in AquaLinear service is specially treated during its
manufacturing process to enable it to yield consistently high
return permeability from treated cores. The gravel pack gels
attained with this polymer have another important
characteristic. All gels, regardless of the level of polymer
HAL16449

selected, possess outstanding fluid loss properties. This

feature, in many instances, helps provide better sand packing
Exhaustive tests have been performed with numerous gelling by allowing tighter grain-to-grain contact than with gels that
agent candidates. rely more heavily on viscosity for sand support. This
combination of features means total sand transport and
excellent fluid loss can be attained in the same fluid.
AquaLinear® Gravel Pack Fluid Service
Field applications for AquaLinear service include:
AquaLinear® service is a viscosified fluid service used for
gelling a wide range of water-based brines, completions, • Gravel pack carrier fluid for Ex-tension PacSM service
and treating fluids. Its properties allow simple mixing • Gravel pack carrier fluid for Halliburton's CAPS™
procedure and rapid viscosity development in water-based concentric annular packing system
fluids including: • Viscosifying completion fluid or brines for fluid
• Freshwater loss control
• Organic and hydrochloric acid mixtures • Sand washing and coiled tubing cleanout operations
• Potassium chloride brines • Viscosifying acid or brine for treatment fluid diversion
• Sodium chloride brines • Drill-in fluids rheology control
• Calcium chloride brines
Application Range
• Calcium bromide brines
• Bottomhole temperature
• Zinc bromide brines
80 to 250°F (27 to 121°C)
Applications • Base fluid density
AquaLinear® fluid is a viscosified fluid with rheological 8.34 to 14 lb/gal (1.0 to 1.68 specific gravity)
properties different from those of hydroxyethylcellulose or
similar linear gels. It is based on a biopolymer gelling agent,
WG-37. Brines gelled with WG-37 agent are shear thinning
and are uniquely efficient in static sand suspension.
AquaLinear fluids allow a substantial amount of design
flexibility for varying degrees of sand support for gravel
packing, fluid loss control, friction pressure reduction, and
other applications benefiting from a shear thinning, low
damage fluid system.

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-3

Ex-tension PacSM Service
Ex-tension PacSM service applies a FracPacSM service level of • Flexibility in initial gel texture and strength – Gels that
quality service techniques to high-rate water packs (HRWP). meet a variety of needs can be prepared by increasing or
Ex-tension Pac service combines technologies such as decreasing the BI-O-PAC polymer concentration.
Liquid Sand™ proppant technology, SandWedge® service, • Unique fluid properties – At high shear rates, BI-O-PAC
and many other service tools and chemicals listed in this gel formed with the WG-24 biopolymer thins very
catalog. Application of these services is optimized through rapidly to a consistency permitting easy injection into
use of the latest engineering technology and software, such as the formation. Gels formed with BI-O-PAC biopolymer,
Ex-tranalysis™, FracProPT®*, or GOHFER™** software. even when stagnant, appear very thin in texture. This
means that good grain-to-grain contact is achieved
The main objective of the Ex-tension Pac service process is to during a BI-O-PAC gravel pack job. Usually a long
maximize the amount of proppant placed (200 to 250 lb/ft) lasting pack results, not prone to shift or settle with time.
into the formation and reduce overall skin values through a
combination of on-site data analysis and Liquid Sand Application
technology. Increased proppant placement, plus lower skin BI-O-PAC biopolymers provide exceptional carrying
values, will result in an increase in overall production for the capability and are often used in coiled tubing sand washing
customer. In addition, the proven benefits of SandWedge operations requiring low velocities.
service can be captured in the Ex-tension Pac
CE process. Application Range
• Bottomhole temperature
BI-O-PACSM Service 80 to 250°F (27 to 121°C)
SM
BI-O-PAC service uses a low-residue clarified xanthan • Base fluid density
gum to viscosify specific brines. This biopolymer is 8.34 to 8.43 lb/gal (1.00 to 1.01 specific gravity)
designated as WG-24 by Halliburton. It offers a unique
combination of total sand transport, lower apparent
viscosity, and excellent fluid spurt loss to the formation. The
BI-O-PAC™ biopolymer may be completely hydrated in
specific brines, using available field equipment and
techniques developed by Halliburton. BI-O-PAC gelled fluids
have exhibited good perforation packing, predictable gel
behavior, and high flow rate completions which measure up
to their predicted production potentials.

Benefits
• Ability to suspend sand – The highly branched structure
of the WG-24 biopolymer enhances a gel's ability to keep
sand in suspension. This is particularly true at low fluid
velocities where it is most needed. At biopolymer
concentrations of 60 lb/1,000 gal (7.2 kg/m³), sand
transport approximately equivalent to that of a
crosslinked gel is attained.
• Flexibility in gel break times – The sand transport life of
gels can be tailored to well requirements by treating the
gels with breaker or stabilizer additives. These additives
influence the gels' viscosity during a prescribed time.
Breakers have been developed to cover both low and high
temperature conditions.

*FracProPT is a registered trademark of Pinnacle Technologies

**GOHFER is a trademark of Barree & Associates

5-4 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

Hydropac™ Service
The Halliburton Hydropac™ service uses a gravel pack
technique using high concentrations of packing solids
carried in a gelled aqueous fluid. The fluid is gelled with an
extremely low-residue hydroxethyl cellulose (HEC) gelling
agent. This polymer gelling agent provides maximum gel
clarity and viscosity per pound, ease of preparation, and the
best possible permeability retention after treatment. This low
residue HEC (WG-17), which is used in Hydropac service, is
continually quality checked to ensure high viscosity yields

HAL11834
and low residue levels. Reliable low-corrosion breaker
systems, which accommodate both low and high-
temperature hole conditions, are available. These breaker
Varying viscosities show the versatility of Hydropac™ service gels
systems assure a quicker, more thorough removal of polymer
after the pack is established. As much as 20 lb (9.1 kg) of pack
sand can be pumped per gallon in this water-based viscous High-Rate Water Pack Systems
gel system.
The high-rate water pack method of placing gravel uses
Benefits rates higher than a normal water pack treatment (5 to
• Improved gravel packs – Hydropac service provides a 25 bpm) to enhance placement of the gravel into the
relatively high leakoff potential and good sand transport, perforation tunnels. Due to the higher rates, a friction
enabling tighter gravel packs, particularly in packing reducer or a small amount of gelling agent is sometimes
perforation tunnels. utilized to reduce friction pressures.
• Fast cleanup – Recovery of original formation
permeability is fast, and returned fluids are disposed Water Pack Systems
of easily.
The water pack technique of gravel placement has proven
• Versatility in selecting mixing water – Gels may be efficient in openhole gravel packs, horizontal wells, extended
prepared using a wide variety of filtered brines. reach wells, and highly deviated wells. Successful completion
• Versatility in gel break times – The sand transport life of of cased hole wells (especially extended reach and highly
gels can be tailored to well requirements by treating them deviated wells) normally includes a gel-sand or acid prepack
with breaker additives. These additives influence the gels' stage to pack the perforation tunnels. The annular pack is
viscosity during a prescribed time. then completed with a low-density water pack.
• Versatility in initial gel texture and strength – Gels that
Benefits
meet a variety of needs can be prepared by increasing or
decreasing the polymer concentration. • No temperature limitation
• Excellent annular packing under a variety of conditions
Application Range
• Bottomhole temperature Application Range
75 to 240°F (24 to 116°C) • Bottomhole temperature

• Base fluid density No limitations

8.34 to 14.00 lb/gal (1.00 to 1.68 specific gravity) • Base fluid density
8.34 to 19.20 lb/gal (1.00 to 2.30 specific gravity)

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-5

My-T-Oil™ Oil-Based Carrier Fluid Systems Application Range
• Bottomhole temperature
In water-sensitive formations, oil-based carrier fluid systems
80 to 230°F (27 to 110°C)
prevent formation damage by the gravel pack carrier fluids.
The My-T-Oil™ system, a proven part of the Halliburton line • Base fluid density
of fracturing fluids, accomplishes this goal. My-T-Oil 8.34 to 18.00 lb/gal (1.00 to 2.16 specific gravity)
services employ gelled kerosene, diesel, distillates, and crude
oils as fracturing and sand control fluids. The latest version
of the My-T-Oil system (My-T-Oil V™ system) is a Invert Emulsion Gravel Carrier Fluids
continuous mix system and develops a consistent gel
viscosity within seconds of mixing. Adjustments to the The invert emulsion gravel carrier fluid system provides an
chemical concentration can be made on-the-fly while fluids option for carrier fluid for gravel packing payzone intervals
are being pumped. My-T-Oil V system fluids pump through drilled with invert (oil or synthetic-based) drilling fluids.
tubing with very low frictional resistance, obtaining high The compatibility of the drilling and gravel pack fluid helps
injection rates with minimum horsepower. An internal maintain the highest degree of lubricity of the wellbore,
breaker assists the gel in reverting to a thin fluid for quick which aids in gravel pack assembly operation and formation
return of the well to production. The My-T-Oil V system inhibition. Using the invert emulsion gravel carrier fluids
uses a gelling agent and an activator to create a highly viscous system, operators can displace the invert drilling system to
gel quickly. an invert completion fluid which is then used for gravel
packing the well. The invert system is an integral part of the
Features drilling and completion package and can provide better
• Lower freezing point of oil-based systems than productivity results.
water-based systems for colder environments
Application
• Excellent viscosity stability
• Can be used as an alternative fluid to brines as a gravel
• Helps eliminate the problems associated with using carrier fluid
water-based gels to treat low water saturation formations
• Can be designed with low rheology or can be readily
• Helps reduce return fluid disposal problems viscosified to help enhance gravel transport
• Savings benefits of on-the-fly mixing compared to
batch mixing Features and Benefits
• Compatible with oil-based muds (OBM)/synthetic-
• These fluids are especially applicable for treating those
based muds (SBM)
formations that might be sensitive to water
• Can provide density without use of solids
Application Range • Minimized emulsions help enhance production results
• Bottomhole temperature
• Serves as an effective gravel-transport fluid
80 to 200°F (27 to 93°C) • Provides cost savings by minimizing displacement and
• Base fluid density cleanup operation
Utilizes oil or diesel • Can be filtered to remove potentially damaging solids

Linear HEC-Gelled Fluids

Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) fluids are virtually residue-free
and provide good proppant-pack permeability. In
formations with permeability exceeding 20 md, the fluid loss
behavior of linear HEC gel systems is completely governed by
the invasion of the whole gel into the formation. A filter cake
does not build up on the faces of the fracture, and the leakoff
rate is predominately controlled by the rheological behavior
of the HEC gel in the porous medium.

5-6 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

Gravel and Proppants
All Halliburton fracturing sands, gravel pack sand, Intermediate-Strength Proppants
or synthetic proppants meet or exceed specifications
adopted by API such as API RP 56 for fracturing sand, Intermediate-strength sintered proppants such as
API RP 58 for gravel pack sand, and API RP 60 for high- CARBOECONOPROP®** or CARBOLITE®** proppants
strength proppants. have been introduced for closure pressures from about
3,000 psi (206.89 bar) to about 10,000 psi (689.66 bar). These
A number of fracturing and gravel pack sand sizes are are higher strength materials than sand and because of their
available. The fracturing sand size is chosen to ensure packed specific gravity are more easily transported in the fracture
fractures with a high-flow capacity and sufficient strength to than sintered bauxite.
resist crushing. Gravel pack sand size is chosen to produce
packs that will resist plugging by using Saucier's criteria. High-Strength Proppants
Synthetic proppants (i.e., proppants stronger than sand) fall High-strength proppants such as sintered bauxite can give
into three different categories: high-strength sintered higher fracture flow capacity than sand or the intermediate-
bauxite, intermediate-strength (and density) sintered strength materials under many treating and formation
bauxite, and ceramics. The size and type proppant is chosen conditions. Sintered bauxite is especially suited for wells with
to provide for a highly conductive fracture. closure pressures in the range of 10,000 to 15,000 psi (689.66
to 1034.50 bar). Field applications have proven its value in
many operating areas. Special laboratory fracture flow tests
API Gravel can assist in selecting the propping agent to give maximum
fracture flow capacity in a particular formation.
API gravel pack sands are available in the following sizes and
have a specific gravity of 2.63 and an absolute volume of
0.0456 gal/lb.
**CARBOECONOPROP and CARBOLITE proppants are registered
• 12/20 US Mesh trademarks of Carbo Ceramics, Inc.
• 16/30 US Mesh
• 20/40 US Mesh
• 30/50 US Mesh
• 40/60 US Mesh
• 50/70 US Mesh

Horizon™ Low Density, Lightweight Gravel

Horizon™* gravel is a lightweight, resin-reinforced
composite particle developed for use in sand-control
applications where lighter particle densities improve
proppant placement and packing efficiency.

Low Density Intermediate-Strength Ceramic

Proppants
Ceramic proppants have a specific gravity and bulk density
close to sand. The specific gravity ranges from approximately
2.65 to 2.75. These ceramic proppants have greater strength
than sand but less strength than the intermediate- and high-
strength sintered bauxite proppants.
*Horizon is a trademark of Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc.

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-7

Coated Proppant Products and Services Liquid Resin-Coated
Proppant Entering
Resin-Coated Proppants for Fracturing Applications Cement Casing Casing and Perforations
Resin-coated sands were developed to bridge the gap in Sheath
both performance and cost between sand and intermediate-
strength proppants. These resin-coated fracturing sands are
simply high-quality silica sands or synthetic sands coated
with a thermoset resin. This coating imparts significant
added crush resistance to the individual sand particles. There
are basically two types of resin-coated sands: pre-cured and
curable. Resin-coated proppants which use a cure-in-place
resin have been available for a number of years. Resin-coated

HAL25136
proppants with a pre-cured resin coating have become
available in recent years. Both of these products have
generally found extensive application in closure stress
ranges of 3,000 to 7,000 psi (206 to 482 bar). The pre-cured Formation Liquid Resin-Coated Proppant
sands have been used in fracture stimulation to provide During Placement
sustained fracture conductivity, while the curable materials The resin-coated sand is pumped down the well and displaced into
have been used primarily where proppant flowback has the perforations. Once a sandout occurs, the well is shut in to allow
been a problem. the resin-coated sand time to cure.

Resin-coated proppants have evolved over time. Resin

coatings are available on sands, ceramics, and
bauxite proppants. Clean Wellbore,
Excess Resin-Coated
Precured or tempered products have a hard coating or shell Cement Drillstring Proppant Removed
around the proppant grain. This coating will not bond grains
together, but it imparts a higher level of conductivity
performance when compared to uncoated proppants. This is
most significant with resin-coated sands and less significant
with resin-coated ceramic or bauxite proppants.

Partially curable and encapsulated materials provide

proppant grains that will bond together under closure
stress in a fracture.
HAL25135

Curable Resin-Coated Gravels and Proppants

Hardened Resin-Coated
Curable resin-coated gravels and proppants are sometimes Proppant
used in sand control operations where no screen is present to
Once the resin has cured, a bit and scraper is typically run into the
control sand production and proppant flowback. They can well and excess resin-coated sand that is in the casing is drilled out.
also control sand production by squeezing a resin-coated Thereafter, the resin-coated sand in the perforations provides a filter
sand/gel slurry into the perforations and allowing time for for the formation sand.
the resin to set. After the excess consolidated gravel in the
wellbore is drilled out, the well can be placed on production.

5-8 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

Conductivity Endurance Technology For SandWedge agent remains active almost indefinitely for long-
High-Permeability Reservoirs term pack stability and conductivity to help achieve
improved production.
Field experience and recent third-party testing have led to a
more thorough understanding of key factors about
conductivity endurance for high permeability completions Expedite® Service
that involve fracturing: In formations where controlling proppant flowback
• Intrusion of formation material into the pack following fracture treatments is a primary consideration,
contributes to decreased production in virtually all Expedite® service can help improve production and the net
formations, even “clean” sands. Formation material present value (NPV) of treatments in several ways:
entering the pack and plugging pore spaces continually • Enhances or maintains proppant pack conductivity
decreases the flow area and increases flow path
• Widely used resin-coated proppants (RCPs) and fibrous
tortuosity. The result: rapid production decline. Some
flowback control materials placed in the matrix of the
multi-rate buildup tests indicate these effects account for
proppant pack often reduce conductivity under high
as much as 80% of total skin.
closure stresses
• Stress cycling contributes to reduced effective fracture
width. Stress cycling occurs, for example, when flow rates • Applied to the proppant on-the-fly so that no excess
are changed or the well is temporarily shut in. This resin or coated proppant is left after the treatment
cycling causes the pack to shift and enables formation
material to intrude. The result: rapid production decline. Conductivity Comparison

Conductivity endurance technology helps achieve better 10000

4,000 psi
9000
Conductivity, mD-ft

long-term conductivity and sustained production through 8000

6,000 psi
8,000 psi
two primary mechanisms: 7000 10,000 psi
6000
1. Stabilizes the proppant pack/formation interface which 5000
greatly reduces the intrusion of formation material into 4000
3000
the pack.
2000
2. Stabilizes the pack so that it is resistant to damage during 1000
0 HAL11230
stress cycling. The cohesive nature of the coated grains RCP*
®
Expedite Service
helps prevent the pack from shifting and allowing
formation material to intrude.
Expedite service uses Halliburton's exclusive direct proppant
Conductivity endurance fracturing incorporates coating process to apply a proprietary resin mixture to all the
Halliburton's proprietary SandWedge® agent and proppant proppant used in a fracturing treatment.
coating technologies with treatment design and proppant
selection based on understanding the formation properties. • Enables earlier production of hydrocarbons after
fracturing than is possible with conventional resin-
coated or non-coated proppants
SandWedge® Service
• Promotes cleanup of fracturing fluid
The SandWedge® conductivity enhancement system is
• Eliminates the problem of fibrous materials plugging
specifically designed to enhance fracture conductivity
surface equipment
resulting from treatments with water-based fluids. This
patented technology chemically modifies the surface of the • Eliminates the problems of damage to coated proppants
proppant grains, resulting in increased porosity and inherent in handling and storage
permeability of the proppant pack and enhanced frac
fluid cleanup. An Expedite service formulation is available to help improve
the results of fracture treatments in virtually any formation.
Extensive testing has verified the ability of the SandWedge Formulated as Expedite Lite, Plus, or Max treatments based
agent to stabilize the proppant pack/formation interface to on the amount of coating required, it is applicable from 80 to
greatly reduce intrusion of formation material into the 550°F (27 to 288°C).
proppant pack. In addition, SandWedge enhancer has been
shown to control the effects of diagenesis.

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-9

Formation Stabilization Systems
Sand control by chemical consolidation involves injecting
chemicals into the unconsolidated formation to provide
grain-to-grain cementation. Cementing the sand grains
together at the contact points creates a strong consolidated
matrix. Subsequent flushes displace excess resin material
further into the formation to clear the pore spaces between
grains, allowing the best possible permeability for oil and gas
flow. Halliburton chemical consolidation systems help
control sand without mechanical screening devices
restricting the wellbore or limiting access to lower producing
zones. Ideal for dual-zone completions, these systems permit
access to a lower zone without disturbing the upper zone.
This is accomplished by consolidating the upper zone and
gravel packing the lower zone.

The following processes are currently available:

• SandTrap® formation stabilization system
• HYDROFIXSM service

SandTrap® Formation Consolidation Service

With recent emphasis on recovery of bypassed hydrocarbon
reserves and extending field production, through-tubing
HAL15905

sand control techniques present an economically attractive

completion option. Since economics is a key decision
criterion in these types of developments, the availability of
reliable and cost-effective through-tubing sand control The solvent package is used to provide a very low-viscosity
techniques can be a major deciding factor. treating fluid and to provide a means to get the resin in
contact with the formation. The resin is internally catalyzed
Formation consolidation is not a new concept and in many so that no post-flush treatments are required to initiate the
applications has proved to be a successful means of providing curing process. The resulting treatment procedure involves
sand control. SandTrap service provides features that only five stages:
facilitate the successful use of resin consolidation for oil and
gas sands requiring sand control including: • Brine pre-flush treatment
• Solvent pre-flush
• Operational simplicity with brine and solvent preflush
• Formation consolidation system
stages, two-component consolidation fluid, and brine
post-flush • Oil spacer
• Low-viscosity fluids for more effective placement into • Brine post-flush over-displacement
reservoirs with variable permeability
• Good consolidation performance in sands with clay The absence of any severe contrasts in fluid rheology
mineral content provides much more uniform and consistent placement of
the resin.
• Post-flush displaces the consolidation fluid to retain pay
sand permeability

This system incorporates a solvent/resin mixture with very

unique properties that cause the resin to be deposited as a
thin film on the formation and clay surfaces.

5-10 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

Applications
SandTrap® service can be applied to new or existing sand
completions. The treatment can be placed several ways:

• Down production tubing

• With jointed pipe and service packer
• With coiled tubing

New perforations can be treated down production tubing for

zone changes or recompletions to access additional reserves.

HAL15904
Coiled tubing and SandTrap service can put existing zones
back on production without the expense of a rig-based
workover.

For wells with failed gravel packs, SandTrap service can be

used to consolidate the existing gravel pack and reservoir
sand in the problem area to put a shut-in well back on line.
Sand consolidation treatment fluids commingled with
SandTrap® service uses resin technology to consolidate the near-wellbore
nitrogen have proved to be an effective solution for gravel area to help prevent sand production. The consolidated area maintains
pack repair. Contact of the treatment with the gravel pack almost 100% of initial permeability.
and surrounding sand can be enhanced with fluidic oscillator
technology provided by Pulsonix® service.

Operation
Two preflush stages prepare the formation sand for a high-
strength consolidation and improved permeability retention.
The brine preflush allows the mineral surfaces to attract the
consolidation fluid so that a thin, uniform coating of
consolidation fluid coats the formation matrix grains.
Connate water is displaced from the pore spaces to improve
penetration of the treatment into the pores and subsequent
displacement by the post-flush to enhance consolidation
strength and permeability retention.

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-11

HYDROFIXSM Service
HYDROFIXSM service is specifically designed to consolidate Application Ranges
sandstone. The resin has an affinity for quartz. The furan • Bottomhole temperature
resin becomes attached to the sand grains. A spacer is
80 to 225°F (27 to 107°C)
pumped followed by an HCl acid catalyst which overflushes
the resin from the pore spaces and catalyses the residual resin
• Base fluid density
coating. Nitrification of the resin and other phases of
HYDROFIX service have allowed successful treatments of 9.20 lb/gal (1.10 specific gravity)
even long intervals [150 ft (45.72 m)].

Applications
• Gravel pack screen repair
• Stringer gas sands that would be uneconomical to
gravel pack
• Through-tubing sand control
• Free pack proppant and formation flowback prevention

20 1.21
19 Viscosity
18 Density 1.205

Density, SG
Viscosity, cP

17
16 1.2
15
14 1.195
13
12 1.19
70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90
HAL16434
Temperature, deg.F
HYDROFIXSM Service Resin Properties

In-Situ Resin Consolidation Services with Overflush Hardener Systems

Shut In
Time
Temperature Range Perforated Interval Required
Min. Permeability
Product Name Type Resin °F °C Base Fluid ft m Hardener Hours for Placement
HYDROFIX™ Furan 80 to 225 30 to 107 15% NaCl 0 to 25* 0 to 7.62 HCl Acid 4 to 24 35 mD
SandTrap® 225 Epoxy 70 to 225 21 to 107 5% NH4Cl 0 to 25* 0 to 7.62 Internal 4 to 24 <50 mD
SandTrap 350 Epoxy 200 to 350 93 to 177 5% NH4Cl 0 to 25* 0 to 7.62 Internal 4 to 24 <50 mD
SandTrap 550 Furan 300 to 550 148 to 288 5% NH4Cl 0 to 25* 0 to 7.62 None 4 to 24 <50 mD
*With nitrification, the zone length can be extended much beyond the stated length utilizing foam diversion.

5-12 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

Wellbore Cleaning Products

DuraKleen® Service Paragon™ Solvent

DuraKleen® service uses an environmentally enhanced Paragon™ solvent is a family of aromatic hydrocarbon
water/aromatic solvent emulsion system that represents an solvent blends. This type of solvent can dissolve solid or
important advancement in maintaining long-term semi-solid paraffin and asphaltene deposits that form or
production rates. collect near the formation face and on tubular goods. Various
versions of Paragon are available:
• Cleans and dissolves asphaltene deposits • Paragon
• High solvency power is enhanced by the dispersing • Paragon 1
effects of the surfactant • Paragon 100E+™
• Strips asphaltenes and waxes from tubulars as well as the • Paragon EA™
formation
• Provides a longer-lasting treatment Applications
• Helps remove paraffin deposits in wellbore and
• Leaves the formation in a water-wet state which delays
production tubing
deposition of asphaltene deposits
• Helps remove excess pipe dope and thread lubricants
• Improved environmental and safety footprint as
from tubing and casing
compared to traditional asphaltene removal systems
• As a preflush, helps remove oil residues before scale
• Contains no BETX (benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene, or removal or matrix acidizing operations
xylene)
• Also functions as a component in emulsified stimulation
• Flash point greater than 145°F (63°C) systems, such as PAD™ Paragon acid dispersion system
• Requires less transport of chemical components due to and HV-60™ high-viscosity emulsified acid
high water content • Depending on the application, Paragon solvent can
• All components are fully miscible either be circulated or spotted and allowed to soak
• May be batch mixed or easily mixed on-the-fly
• Can be applied wherever heavy oils are produced

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-13

Dope Buster M™ Solvent 100

Pipe dope and thread lubricants must be removed from 90 Dope Buster
B E+ solvent
inside tubing and casing. If not removed, these materials
80
restrict production and block the effectiveness of stimulation

Percent of Dope Removed

treatments and gravel packs. Most commonly used solvents 70
Dope Buster
are effective, but they contain environmentally hazardous M E+ solvent
60
materials and pose serious offshore disposal problems. For
this reason, solvents with benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene, 50
and xylene are rapidly being phased out in favor of less
40
hazardous alternatives. However, most alternatives have Solvent C
proven less capable of removing pipe dope and thread 30 Solvent B
lubricants. In response to the need for products that are both
20
effective and environmentally safe, Halliburton offers
Dope Buster M™ solvent. Solvent A
10

Dope Buster M solvent removes conventional and new 0

5 10 15 20
“metal free” (environmentally friendly) pipe dope and thread HAL16416
Minutes
lubricants. It can be circulated down the tubing and up the
Results of Pipe Dope Removal Study
annulus or applied using the pump-in and flowback
technique. Dope Buster M solvent also helps facilitate rust
and scale removal with the addition of 5% to 15% HCl.

N-Ver-Sperse™ Invert Oil-Based Mud

Cleaning System
N-Ver-Sperse O™ and N-Ver-Sperse A™ Fluids
Two perforating and breakdown fluids have been developed
for cleanup of invert oil-based muds. N-Ver-Sperse O™ and
N-Ver-Sperse A™ dispersant fluids were specifically designed
to help remove invert emulsion-type drilling muds which
can greatly hinder stimulation treatments. N-Ver-Sperse O
fluid is a hydrocarbon-based fluid, and N-Ver-Sperse A fluid,
containing wetting agents and dispersants, is an aqueous-
based fluid. Need for a hydrocarbon-based or an aqueous-
based fluid, economic factors, hydrostatic pressures, and
other conditions determine choice of fluid. Both fluids can
be used either for removal of mud from the wellbore and the
producing formation or as formation breakdown fluids.
When used as mud cleanout fluids, they are circulated at
fairly high rates to prevent the solids in the mud from settling
out. As a perforating fluid, either N-Ver-Sperse fluid would
be superior to an acid or common aqueous perforating
solution due to the adverse effects these fluids have on the
invert muds. In instances where large volumes of whole mud
are lost into the producing formation during drilling,
N-Ver-Sperse flush solutions can be used very effectively in a
series of flushing and back flowing or swabbing stages to pull
the mud solids toward the wellbore and clean them out.

5-14 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

 Wellbore Cleaning Products and Services Reference Chart
Oil-Based/
Chemical or System Purpose Aqueous-Based Flash Point Comments
Remove paraffin, pipe dope, and
Paragon EA™ Oil-Based 155°F (68°C) Intended for use in Europe/Africa
crude oil residue
Remove paraffin and pipe dope;
Contains no benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene
Paragon 100E+™ degrease producing wells in Oil-Based 150°F (66°C)
or xylene - 100% aromatic
waterfloods
Remove paraffin and pipe dope;
Paragon 1 degrease producing wells in Oil-Based 130°F (54°C)
waterfloods
Dope Buster ME+™ Remove pipe dope Oil-Based 130°F (54°C)
Disperse and remove invert
N-Ver-Sperse A™ Aqueous-Based N/A
emulsion-type drilling fluids
Disperse and remove invert
N-Ver-Sperse O™ Oil-Based N/A
emulsion-type drilling fluids

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-15

Formation Damage Removal Systems
Sandstone 2000™ Acid System Very few sandstone formations are sensitive to this system.
There is far less tendency for it to unconsolidate formations
In the 1980s, Halliburton analyzed fluid returns from an than conventional HF systems.
HF acidizing treatment. The results of the analysis were
completely unexpected and defied chemical theory of the K-Spar™ Acid
time. From these studies and subsequent research projects, K-Spar™ acid is the treatment of choice in formations high
Halliburton can now better provide an HF acid job with in potassium feldspar and illite. It increases production by
preferred effects. The changes in HF acidizing were primarily reducing fines migration and near-wellbore damage over a
made to avoid precipitation products from secondary wide range of temperatures.
reactions occurring between spent HF fluids and
aluminosilicate minerals in the formation. Previously, these Volcanic™ Acid
reactions formed scales, partially or completely obstructing This organic-HF acid system replaces acetic and formic- HF
gravel pack screens. The precipitation of fluosilicate fluids which produce severe secondary precipitation. It
formation minerals was also discovered in wells that protects formations too sensitive to HCl acid. Compatible
contained sodium feldspar and potassium feldspar. with HCl-sensitive minerals such as chlorite and zeolite, it
Halliburton can now provide help in finding solutions to can also be used at higher temperatures. In addition, this acid
improve wells. Through research and testing, we learned system helps avoid sludging of crude.
how to tailor treatments to deal with formation minerals
like potassium feldspar, sodium feldspar, illite clay, zeolites, Silica Scale™ Acid
carbonates, etc. New procedures and additives minimize
The Silica Scale™ acid system is designed especially to
problems with ion exchange, acid-unstable clays, high
remove silica scale from geothermal wells.
temperatures, and more. The Sandstone 2000™ system is the
product of exhaustive research and field testing. New
Guardian™ Acid Enhancement System
discoveries led us to lay aside old HF acidizing theories and
This system introduces a new concept in formation
develop better ways to avoid problems and remove damage
protection beyond the limitations of conventional acidizing
in sandstone formations. Sandstone 2000 acidizing system
additives. Even properly designed additive blends have been
can be divided into damage removal systems and formation
known to have caused sludging and formation damage with
conditioning systems.
certain crude oils. Guardian™ enhancer provides excellent
sludge and emulsion control even with problem crudes. In
Sandstone 2000 Damage Removal Fluid Systems addition, the Guardian enhancer system outperforms
Sandstone Completion™ Acid conventional acid inhibitors.
Sandstone Completion™ acid promises to be the new
The Guardian system minimizes adsorption of additives on
standard for treating most sandstone formations and the
the formation. The advantages of the Guardian enhancer
safest system when mineralogy and nature of damage are
package include:
uncertain. It provides maximum HF dissolving power
without secondary precipitation. In addition, it prevents • Acid blends are greatly simplified.
aluminum precipitation better than acetic acid and helps • Generally, the additive loading is significantly reduced.
maintain formation compatibility.
• Less mutual solvent and dispersants are required.
Fines Control™ Acid • Enhanced corrosion protection is attained, even during
Conventional matrix acidizing with HF acid is only effective flowback.
for removing shallow clay damage 2 to 4 in. from the
wellbore at most. Halliburton Fines Control™ acid is a Consider the Guardian enhancer system whenever:
patented (U.S. Patent 4,304,676), retarded HF system used • Sludging crude oils are present.
for treating sandstone formations damaged by the migration
• The acid blend requires an anionic surfactant.
and/or swelling of silica, feldspars, and clays. This patented
retarded acid process penetrates to remove deep damage • Acid blend stability is required.
caused by fines and swelling clays.

5-16 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

Formation Conditioning Systems
In addition to choosing the optimum HF fluid, selecting Gidley's CO2 Conditioner
pretreatment and preflushes is very important and can
determine the ultimate success of a treatment. Halliburton In this process, carbon dioxide (CO2) is used to improve the
calls these fluids formation conditioning systems. These performance of HF acidizing treatments in oil wells. The
fluids prepare the formation for the damage removal system involves the use of about 100 to 200 gpf of CO2 under
fluid systems. miscible conditions to displace the oil from the matrix in the
near-wellbore area. CO2 is also used throughout the acid
N-Ver-Sperse™ System stages to provide enhanced energy for cleanup as well.

N-Ver-Sperse™ systems are required when oil-based whole Benefits

mud is lost to the formation. Acid mixing with oil-based • Reduction in terminal upsets due to emulsions created
mud will cause emulsions resulting in severe damage. Whole during the acidizing treatment.
mud must be removed before sandstone acidizing.
• A tendency to prevent preferential acidizing of water
zones: The xylene, CO2 preflush conditions the
Mud-Flush™ System formation in the critical wellbore area, leaving the matrix
The Mud-Flush™ system is the fluid system of choice for with a relative permeability to acid (water) which is fairly
removing water-based whole mud. even across the entire zone. Due to the removal of the oil
by the preflush, this occurs regardless of whether the
MCA™ Blend matrix initially contained oil or water. While use of CO2
does not prevent water production, the CO2 treatments
The MCA™ mixture is a blend of Morflo® III surfactant have resulted in less enhancement of water production
and dilute HCl. This mixture helps eliminate water and than previous treatments for some operators.
emulsion blocks, cement filtrate damage, and shrink • Improved treatment response attributed to two factors:
natural clay minerals. better invasion of the matrix due to the removal of the oil
and prevention of immobile matrix emulsions stabilized
Organic Solvents by oil wet particles.
Organic solvents are required to remove any oily deposits
such as heavy oil, pipe dope, paraffins, and asphaltenes from
CLAYFIX™ 5 Conditioner
the formation face. If the aqueous HF fluid cannot contact CLAYFIX™ 5 conditioner is necessary for ion exchange and
the damaged formation, it will be unable to improve the for moving formation fluids away from the wellbore to avoid
well performance. incompatibilities with the acid fluids. Typical ion-exchanging
minerals include Smectite, mixed layer clays, and zeolites.
HCl for Pickling Tubing
It is very important to remove iron scales from coiled tubing,
HCl Conditioners
wellbore tubing, and casing prior to treatment with acid HCl is the most common preflush prior to the HF stage.
fluids. HCl is the recommended acid for this process, while Typical concentrations are 5 to 15%. The purpose of an acid
organic acids such as acetic acid are not effective in dissolving preflush is to stimulate ion exchange, to prevent mixing of
the iron scales at any temperature. The fluid should be formation fluids with the HF stage, and to remove
circulated and recovered without allowing the spent acid to carbonates. In addition, HCl very effectively removes
enter the formation. Performing a pickling treatment (tubing polymers, such as HEC, xanthan, and K-Max™ material used
cleanout) causes the acid preflush and HF stages to remove during completion operations.
formation damage more effectively.

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-17

Clay-Safe™ H Blend Clay-Safe F Blend
Clay-Safe™ H blend is a special blend of an organic acid, Clay-Safe F blend is a special blend of two organic acids,
Clayfix™ salt for ion exchange, and 5% HCl. It can be used Clayfix salt for ion exchange, and no HCl. It can be used
safely ahead of HF acid blends. However, this blend has been safely ahead of HF acid blends because of the inclusion of
optimized for safe removal of polymer damage and other Clayfix salt. At temperatures above 180°F (82.22°C) this
applications where unprotected breaker acid mixtures could blend of organic acids has been shown to act synergistically
damage HCl-sensitive formations. to remove certain polymer damage. It has been optimized for
safe use in formations with clay instability ratings of
25 or greater.

Chart of Formation Conditioning Systems

Fluid System When/Why Use This System

Mud Cleanout
Mud-Flush™ Whole water-based mud losses
N-Ver-Sperse™ Whole oil-based mud losses
Wellbore Conditioning
PARAGON™ or other organic solvents Asphaltene/paraffin problems, heavy oils, pipe dope
HCl for pickling Removal of iron scales, preventing them from entering the formation
Oil Well Conditioning
Emulsion problems, terminal upsets, improves acid penetration into
Gidley's CO2 Conditioner
oil zones
Matrix Conditioning
Clayfix™ 5 Conditioner Preflush ahead of Sandstone acids to allow for ion exchange
5-15% HCI Carbonate removal, ion exchange, removal of polymer damage
Clay-Safe™ 5 Conditioner HCI-sensitive mineralogy
HCl-sensitive mineralogy, where removal of polymer damage
Clay-Safe H Conditioner
(K-MAX™, HEC) or high carbonate levels with acid fluids is required
Clay-Safe F Conditioner HCI-sensitive mineralogy

Sandstone 2000™ Damage Removal Systems

Name Advantages

Silica Scale™ Acid Contains a high HF concentration to remove silica scale from geothermal wells
Provides maximum dissolving power without secondary precipitation, prevents aluminum
Sandstone Completion™ Acid
precipitation, and is the fluid of choice when mineralogy is unknown
Is a retarded system, removes deep damage caused by fines and swelling clays, and pre-
Fines Control Acid
vents fines migration.
K-Spar™ Acid Is compatible with formations high in feldspars and illite and prevents fines migration
Contains an organic acid system, is compatible with HCl-sensitive minerals, and can be
Volcanic™ Acid I and II
used in higher temperature applications

5-18 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

Filter Cake Breaker Systems AccuBreak® Service
AccuBreak® service can help eliminate the need for post-
N-FLOWSM Stimulation Service completion pipe trips or post-completion intervention
operations needed to clean up filter cake or break fluid-loss
Drill-in fluid (DIF) filter cake deposits are a major cause of pills. In deepwater and extended-reach wells these
restricted flow from the producing formation. N-FLOWSM procedures can be extremely expensive and time consuming.
stimulation service effectively removes drill-in fluid filter Eliminating these procedures not only can reduce the costs
cake residue and near-wellbore formation damage in involved with complex completions but can also simplify the
conventional or gravel packed openhole completions. completion procedures and help reduce safety and
N-FLOW service has proved effective in both carbonate and environmental risks.
sandstone reservoirs for the following applications:
• Long treatment intervals of horizontal wells
• Gravel packed wells Chemical Fluid Loss Control Systems
• Water-based drill-in fluid cleanup
One of the major problems encountered in the wellbore
• Synthetic- or oil-based drill-in fluid cleanup prior to gravel packing is excessive fluid loss to the
• Stimulation of dolomite and limestone formations in formation. When the service tool is being tripped out of the
new and mature wells well after a gravel packing job, fluid loss is again a concern.
Workovers and completions require, among other things,
Benefits non-damaging products and systems to control fluid loss and
• In-situ acid production delivers acid to wherever the keep fluids in balance.
fluid has been placed. The treatment fluid contains a
precursor of an acid (which is not acidic itself) that
provides time-controlled downhole organic acid release
K-Max PlusSM Service Fluid Loss Control
for carbonate removal. Oxidizers and catalysts for starch
Material
and polymer removal combine to give a complete K-Max PlusSM service is a batch-mixed, non-damaging
package for removing DIF components blocking material that provides abrupt fluid loss control
• Avoids placement problems associated with using a and helps control wellbore sloughing in open hole. In cased
reactive acid holes, it helps prevent sand sloughing, especially in highly
• Helps achieve excellent zonal coverage. The controlled deviated completions.
reaction N-FLOW™ chemicals dissolve DIF filter cake
components along the entire pay section and do not K-Max Plus service provides an HEC-based, high viscosity,
cause hot spots resulting in premature loss of crosslinked gel pill that requires no heavy-metal crosslinker.
treating fluids Its crosslink is pH controlled and completely reversible.
K-Max Plus service provides clean breaks with both internal
• More environmentally acceptable, less damaging and and external breaker systems. Break back times can be
less hazardous than comparable HCl-based systems. designed for a variety of applications. Reversible crosslinking
Unlike cleanup materials containing hydrochloric acid technology has been shown to yield regain permeability of 90
and corrosion inhibitors, the initial non-acidic nature to 100% with an external breaker in Berea sandstone.
of the agents used in the service lowers the safety risk K-Max Plus service uses a liquid gel dispersion system,
to personnel and the environment, and avoids corroding designated WG-33™ gelling agent, for easy preparation.
downhole hardware, including screens, packers,
and tubulars
• Effective in a wide range of completion fluids
• N-FLOW service is available for both water-based and
synthetic oil-based DIFs

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-19

K-Max Plus™ material does not require shearing or filtering. Application Ranges
K-Max Plus gel remains flowable in the wellbore while • Bottomhole temperature
controlling fluid loss and sloughing at the formation face. It
75 to 300°F (24 to 149°C)
can also be circulated out without loss of fluid control. When
the time comes to remove the K-Max Plus pill, lowering the • Base fluid density
pH of surrounding fluid reverses the crosslink state and 8.34 to 14.00 lb/gal (1.00 to 1.68 specific gravity)
converts the pill to a flowable fluid that is easily circulated or
produced from the wellbore. K-Max Plus service has been
used to control fluid loss into 10 darcy permeability sand
with minimal damage.

In addition, the semi-rigid pill can also be used for the

following applications:
• Help support poorly consolidated formations
• Isolate zones for temporary diverting during stimulation
• Aid in other operations in multizone completions

0.30

0.25
Fluid Loss (ml/cm²)

0.20

0.15

0.10

0.05

0
5 10 15 20 25 30
Time (minutes) HAL16418

Bandera Berea Alumina Berea

HAL8381

(~100 md) (470 md) (10 D) (340 md)

K-Max Plus™ Fluid Loss

K-Max Plus™ Material

5-20 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

Max Seal® Fluid Loss Control Additive
Max Seal® additive is a unique fluid loss control additive that Applications
is supplied ready-to-use and is easily dispersed into most • After perforating
brines with minimal mixing energy. The particles in • After gravel packing or performing a frac pack
Max Seal additive that help stop fluid loss are essentially
highly crosslinked gel ready to disperse in wellbore fluids. • During and after horizontal hole cleanup of drilling fluid
The Max Seal additive crosslinking chemistry is the same as filter cake
that in K-Max PlusSM service. Reduction of pH readily causes • Completion and workover operations
the polymer to uncrosslink and eventually revert to a water- • Pill to enhance hole stability to reduce or prevent
thin fluid when workover activities are complete. formation sloughing
Benefits Application Ranges
• Ready-to-use product requires no on-location gel • Bottomhole temperature
preparation
75 to 275°F (24 to 149°C)
• Readily disperses in most completion fluids
• Base fluid density
• Low friction pressure allows it to be placed through small
diameter tubing 8.34 to 11.60 lb/gal (1.00 to 1.39 specific gravity)
• Provides effective fluid loss control
• Easily removed with acid
• Little or no lost well productivity
• No special storage (will not freeze and is not damaged by
summer storage)
Cumulative Fluid Loss Volume

50

40
(mL/cm2)

30
Max Seal®-Static Fluid
20
Loss Test
10

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
HAL16421
Cumulative Injection Time (min)

Test #1 Test #2
Cumulative Fluid Loss Volume

50
Delta P = 200 psi Delta P = 400 psi
40
10 D Oklahoma #1
(mL/cm2)

30
Max Seal®-Dynamic Fluid
20 20 D White Filtrose 0.4 D High Perm Berea
Loss Test
10
4 D Gray Filtrose
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
HAL16422
Cumulative Injection Time (min)

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-21

Z-MaxSM Service • Can be formulated for a wide range of pill densities in
specific brines
Z-MaxSM service is a non-particulate gel system that combats • Reduces water inflow during production
fluid losses in wells where zinc bromide or other high-weight
brines are being used as completion or workover fluids. • Polymer can be removed if required
Z-Max service is similar to Halliburton's K-Max service • Environmental performance – passes Gulf of Mexico oil
crosslinkable hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) system. However, and grease test for overboard discharge
Z-Max service is specially formulated to gel ZnBr2 brines. The highest level of fluid loss that can be controlled with the
The superficial application of a mineral acid solution causes LO-Gard system is unknown; however, in one example an
Z-Max service, like K-Max service crosslinkable HEC system, attempt to kill a 300°F well with 10-lb/gal brine was
to break back to a water-thin texture, allowing Z-Max service unsuccessful because the formation was taking fluid at
to be reversed out of the wellbore or produced back from 18 bbl/hr. Pumping 80 bbl of LO-Gard service agent reduced
perforation tunnels and the formation matrix. fluid loss to 0 bbl/hr, and the operation was completed
successfully.
Application Ranges
• Bottomhole temperature
High Viscosity Linear Gels
75 to 235°F (24 to 113°C)
For controlling fluid losses in situations where permeabilities
• Base fluid density
are low and overbalance pressure is not high, Halliburton
14.5 to 18.5 lb/gal (1.74 to 2.22 specific gravity) offers viscous linear gels. The normal gelling agent is
processed HEC, used at high concentrations. Other systems,
LO-Gard® Service such as AquaLinear® gravel pack service and Bi-O-Pac™ gels,
have seen some use due to their uniquely applicable
Halliburton’s LO-Gard® service helps control fluid loss (leak rheology. But all these systems depend upon building up a
off) in perforating/gravel pack completions and in horizontal bank of viscous fluid in the formation pore spaces away from
gravel pack applications where fluid loss through the filter the wellbore. For highly permeable formations or high
cake could cause problems with placing the gravel. overbalance situations, the linear gels will typically require
numerous applications and ultimately may not work at all.
Openhole Completions The preferred temperature range is below 230°F (110°C)
For openhole completions, the service provides important since HEC and other linear gels typically degrade at elevated
benefits: temperatures.
• Solids-free, low-viscosity, lost-circulation control system
Application Ranges
• Decreases formation permeability to aqueous fluids thus
limiting leakoff into the following: • Bottomhole temperature
80 to 230°F (27 to 110°C)
- High permeability streaks
• Base fluid density
- Leaky, thinned or eroded drill-in fluid wall cake
8.34 to 19.20 lb/gal (1.02 to 2.30 specific gravity)
- Breached or fractured wall cake
- Natural or hydraulic fracture networks Breaker Agents
• Results in no significant permeability loss to oil or gas, • Enzymes
> 95% retention is typical with 100 md core material • Oxidizers
• Applicable over a broad range of temperatures and • Acids
permeabilities
LIQUI-VIS® EP Polymer
• Effective in both sandstone and carbonate lithology
• Shut-in time not required Dispersed in a water soluble carrier, LIQUI-VIS® EP
polymer is a high purity HEC polymer designed to viscosify
• Requires no breaker
fresh water, salt water, and brines used for gravel packing.
• Mixing is easier than with conventional viscous gel LIQUI-VIS EP polymer minimizes formation damage
systems and disperses easily into fresh water or brine with
minimum shear.

5-22 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

Fluid System Additives
Breaker Systems provide better fluid flowback. The Matrixflo II breaker and
enzyme breakers can be used in combination to create a dual
HT Breaker mechanism breaker system that completely degrades
HT breaker is a strong oxidizing breaker that is used at polymer gels. Offering an alternative and complement to
temperatures from 75 to 200°F (23.8 to 93.3°C). It is typically oxidizing breakers, the Matrixflo II breaker significantly
used for breaking K-Max Plus™ pills and AquaLinearSM improves the regained permeability of a fluid system.
service gels.
ViCON NF™ Breaker
GBW-3™ Breaker ViCON NF™ breaker is an aqueous form of a strong oxidizer
GBW-3™ breaker is a water-soluble enzyme breaker for breaker. It has been shown to be effective in breaking a
aqueous-based gelling agents at temperatures below variety of oilfield polymer gels. Breaker concentration is
120°F (48.8°C). determined by downhole temperature, stabilizer
concentration, and required break time. Gels containing this
GBW-30™ Breaker breaker retain viscosity and break slowly. In addition, this
Like the GBW-3 breaker, GBW-30™ breaker is a water- breaker can be added to batch-mixed gels or run on-the-fly
soluble enzyme breaker for aqueous-based gelling agents at throughout the entire job, including the pad volume.
temperatures below 120°F (48.8°C). Its reactive strength is
approximately 10 times that of GBW-3 breaker. ViCON HT Breaker
ViCON HT breaker is a solid form of ViCON NF breaker. It
SP™ Breaker has the same features as ViCON NF breaker that is a liquid.
SP™ breaker is a water soluble oxidizing breaker for ViCON HT breaker is normally used only if the ambient
aqueous-based gelling agents. It is used at temperatures temperature is less than the freezing point of ViCON NF
above 120°F (48.8°C). breaker, -1°F (-18.3°C), or if the frac blender does not have
sufficient liquid additive pumps.
OptiFlo-HTE™ Breaker
OptiFlo-HTE™ breaker is an encapsulated, delayed release, CAT®-3 and CAT®-4 Activators
high-temperature enzyme breaker for temperature CAT®-3 and CAT®-4 activators are proprietary mixtures of
applications from 75 to 175°F (23.8 to 79.4°C). chemicals that enhance the activity of many oxidizer
breakers. They can be used separately or together with most
OptiFlo III™ Breaker fracturing fluids and traditional persulfate breakers. The
OptiFlo III™ breaker is an encapsulated delayed-release CAT-3 activator can be used at bottomhole surface
oxidizing breaker developed for the 130 to 200°F temperatures of 85°F (29°C) and above. It allows the use of
(54.4 to 93.3°C) temperature range. less Oxol II breaker at temperatures higher than 120°F
(48.8°C). The CAT-4 activator can be used at bottomhole
Oxol II™ Breaker surface temperatures of 140 to 200°F (60 to 93°C). CAT-3
Oxol II™ breaker is a delayed release oxidizing breaker for and CAT-4 activators can be either added to fracturing fluids
low-temperature applications where enzyme breakers may on-the fly or added to K-38 crosslinker to form a crosslinker/
not function. It is effective in the 70 to 140°F (21 to 60°C) activator solution. These activators are beneficial because
temperature range. Combined with CAT®-3 activator, it can they are solutions instead of mixtures of solids. Their break
be used in high concentrations to give performance profiles times can be tailored to specific job times.
superior to those of a persulfate breaker.
CAT®-OS-1 and CAT®-OS-2 Activators
Matrixflo II™ Breaker CAT®-OS-1 and CAT®-OS-2 activators are catalysts for the
The Matrixflo II™ breaker is a liquid, delayed-release acid ViCon NF internal breaker used with SeaQuest® service and
breaker that deeply penetrates a formation to provide a more Delta Frac®Pac system. CAT-OS-1 activators can effectively
complete break and enhanced fluid conductivity. The breaker activate the ViCon breaker above 170°F. At lower
can be used at temperatures between 100 and 180°F temperatures, a combination of CAT-OS-1 and CAT-OS-2
(38 and 82°C). It decreases the pH of borate-crosslinked activators with ViCon NF internal breaker will provide an
fracturing fluids, reducing fluid viscosity and “yield stress” to accelerated break time.

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-23

Surfactants
LoSurf-259™ Surfactant NEA-96M™ Surfactant
LoSurf-259™ surfactant is a nonionic, nonemulsifier blend NEA-96M™ surfactant is a general surfactant and non-
specifically designed for acidizing limestone and dolomite emulsifier for preflushes, acid preflushes, HCl and HF acid
formations. It has also been effective in sandstone acidizing systems, overflushes, and fracturing fluids. NEA-96M
and fracturing treatments. surfactant, when added to water-based fluids, helps remove
water blocks and aqueous external emulsion blocks. When
LoSurf-300™ Surfactant added to water-based preflushes, it can lower breakdown
LoSurf-300™ surfactant is a liquid, broad-spectrum, pressure. It can also be used to help clean up kill fluids,
nonionic nonemulsifier for application in acids and other packer fluids, completion fluids, or any fluid that might
aqueous fluids. It can be used in stimulation fluids for invade the formation. NEA-96M surfactant can be used with
treatments of either sandstone or limestone formations. Musol® A or Musol® E agents if solvents are needed, and in
Because LoSurf-300 surfactant is nonionic, it should be acid systems containing either HAI-81M™ or HAI-85M™
compatible with most other acid additives, including corrosion inhibitors. Since NEA-96M surfactant is an anionic
Cla-Sta® agents. However, it is advisable to perform blend, it is compatible with other anionics, nonionics, and
emulsification tests prior to the inclusion of LoSurf anionic/nonionic blends. NEA-96M surfactant provides the
surfactant in any treatment regime. following benefits:
LoSurf-357™ Surfactant • Helps prevent the creation of emulsions between injected
LoSurf-357™ nonionic surfactant can be used with aqueous fluid and formation fluid
fluids, such as fresh water, brines, KCl solutions, and acids. It • Helps break emulsion blocks and water blocks
can be used in treating any type of formation rock. Since it is • More effective in smaller amounts than many other
nonionic, it has low adsorption properties and is compatible surfactants (0.1 to 1.0% concentrations)
with most other additives.
LoSurf-2000L™ Surfactant
LoSurf-396™ Surfactant LoSurf-2000L™ liquid surfactant is a blend of anionic
LoSurf-396™ surfactant is a nonionic blend of demulsifiers, nonemulsifier and an anionic hydrotrope. LoSurf-2000L
dispersants, and solvents specifically designed for use in areas surfactant can be used as a surface-tension reducer and
where health, safety, and environmental concerns are nonemulsifier in fracturing and acidizing applications. It is
prevalent. LoSurf-396 surfactant is effective at bottomhole compatible with the following fracturing/acidizing fluids:
temperatures greater than 300°F (149°C).
• Delta Frac service, Delta FracPac service, and
LoSurf-400™ Surfactant Delta Frac 275 service
LoSurf-400™ surfactant is a nonemulsifier for acidizing and • Hybor Gel™ system
fracturing operations and can be added to preflushes in • Pur-Gel IIISM service
general, acid preflushes, HF/HCl main flushes, and
• ThermagelSM service
fracturing fluids crosslinked with either metal ions (neutral
to moderate basic pH) or borate crosslinked fluids (high pH). • Sirocco® service
• My-T-Gel™ fluid
LoSurf-2000S™ Surfactant
• Sandstone 2000SM service
LoSurf-2000S™ solid, powder surfactant is a blend of anionic
nonemulsifier and an anionic hydrotrope. This surfactant • hydrochloric acid (HCl)
can be used as a surface-tension reducer and nonemulsifier • MOD™ acids
in fracturing and acidizing applications. LoSurf-2000S • HTA-710 acid containing HAI-81M™ or HAI-GE™
surfactant can be added to stimulation fluids as a solid, or it inhibitors
can be premixed in water and metered into the treatment for
• SGA-II™ and SGA-HT® gelling agents
on-the-fly application. LoSurf-2000S surfactant can prevent
and/or remove emulsion or water blocks during stimulation • SWIC II™ system
treatments. It can also be used in water-based mud
dispersants, preflushes, acids, HF acid, and overflushes.
LoSurf-2000S surfactant is compatible with Delta Frac® and
Delta Frac®Pac service and Hybor Frac™ systems.

5-24 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services

Clay Stabilizers
Cla-Sta® Compounds Cla-Sta FS additive may be applied in brine or acid
Cla-Sta® compounds are permanent clay stabilization solutions. Once treated, fines remain stabilized in the
materials that may be used with brine systems common to presence of acids, brines, oils, and even fresh water. Cla-Sta
sand control and fracturing processes. Cla-Sta compounds FS additive is often included in small percentages of filtered
are organic polymeric materials which do not alter the water- completion fluid as a perforating medium. When fluid is lost
wet condition of a sandstone formation. They are not to the formation, it is instantly protected from later contact
corrosive to tubular goods. The chemical structure of with incompatible fluids.
Cla-Sta compounds is key to their effectiveness. When
absorbed on a water-sensitive clay surface, the compounds Cla-Sta® XP Stabilizer
are not easily replaced or desorbed as individual ions but Cla-Sta® XP stabilizer is the clay and fines stabilizer of choice
rather act as ions linked by a chain-like structure. When for formations with permeabilities of approximately 30 md
formation brines flow past the treated clays, Cla-Sta or less. It can be placed in almost all treating fluid, including
compounds are not easily replaced by cations from the brine. FracPac™ system and gravel pack gels, acids, and brines.
Cla-Sta compounds can also effectively resist acidizing and More information on how the Cla-Sta XP polymer controls
other formation treatments. clays in tight formations can be found in SPE paper 18881,
“Clay Stabilization in Low-Permeability Formations.” This
Cla-Sta® FS Additive chemically resistant clay stabilizer provides superior
Cla-Sta® FS additive was specifically developed for stabilizing penetration in tight formations and is compatible with most
mineral fines and clays in hydrocarbon-bearing formations. fracturing and gravel packing gel systems including
The Cla-Sta FS chemical is readily absorbed on formation crosslinked systems. A water-soluble cationic material, it is
surfaces. This alters the surface properties of the formation designed to surface-absorb very rapidly upon contact with
fine particles, thus reducing their interaction with flowing clays and fines. Cla-Sta XP stabilizer helps prevent clay
fluids (water, brines, oil, and gas) within the rock capillaries. swelling and migration during and following fracturing,
Because the drag forces exerted on the fine particles by gravel packing, and acidizing treatments.
flowing fluids are decreased, fines migration is reduced even
in the presence of very high rates of fluid flow. Stabilizing Cla-Sta® O Additive
mineral fine particles significantly reduces solids production Cla-Sta® O additive is an oil-soluble version of either
and permeability impairment. Cla-Sta FS or Cla-Sta XP additive.

Cla-Sta FS effectively stabilizes a variety of mineral fines that

do not respond to conventional stabilizers. Examples are:
• Silica
• Kaolinite
• Carbonates
• Hematite
• Magnetite
• Siderite

Sand Control Chemical Products and Services 5-25

Friction Reducers
Friction reducers are primarily used for coiled tubing FR-48W Friction Reducer
cleanout jobs where fluid losses to the formation are not FR-48W friction reducer is a cationic liquid reducer designed
expected. Friction reducers are not recommended for fluids to perform over a wide range of surface fluid temperatures.
injected into sandstone formations. FR-48W friction reducer contains a new aqueous carrier fluid
for delivery of the polymer, rather than a typical hydrocarbon
FR-5™ Friction Reducer carrier fluid. Laboratory data indicates that FR-48W friction
FR-5™ liquid additive is used to reduce friction pressure reducer is compatible with freshwater, 2% KCl, 10% NaCl,
when pumping hydrocarbon base fluids such as kerosene, 2% CaCl2, 11.0 lb/gal CaCl2 brine, and acids.
crude oil, and refined fracturing oils in turbulent flow
through pipe. FR-5 friction reducer is a high molecular FR-56™ Friction Reducer
weight, synthetic polymer. The base fluid must be pumped in FR-56™ liquid friction reducer is used for fresh water and
turbulent flow for this additive to be effective. Field light brines. It consists of an oil-external emulsion that is
experience has demonstrated the effectiveness of FR-5 easily inverted and/or broken and dispersed with shear in
friction reducer to produce friction reduction. For example, aqueous fluids. FR-56 friction reducer can be used at
FR-5 friction reducer was added to a lease crude (43° API temperatures above 40°F (4°C). It is used to reduce pipe
gravity) at 5 gal per 1,000 gallons and injected at 10 bpm friction pressure while pumping water during hydraulic
down a common manifold of 5 1/2-in. casing and 2 3/8-in. fracturing treatments. Because it is a highly anionic material,
tubing. Calculated friction reduction was 56%. FR-56 friction reducer is particularly effective in light brines,
such as KCl brines. In addition, because it is a concentrated
FR-38 Friction Reducer liquid, FR-56 friction reducer can be mixed on-the-fly and
FR-38 cationic, liquid friction reducer is designed to perform does not cause the lumping problems associated with
over a wide range of surface fluid temperatures. powdered friction reducers.
FR-38 friction reducer does not contain a hydrocarbon
carrier fluid for delivery of the polymer. FR-38 friction
reducer contains a new aqueous carrier fluid that is
environmentally evaluated.

5-26 Sand Control Chemical Products and Services