Saudi Arabian Oil Company

University of Oklahoma

Ashraf Al-Tahini

Younane N Abousleiman

Son K Hoang

Vinh Ngyuen

John Brumley

A method for preventing the production and formation of loose sand particles during production of a production fluid includes converting in the production zone both a loose sand particle into a magnetized loose sand particle and a cemented sand particle into a magnetized cemented sand particle. The method includes introducing a magnetic source into a wellbore. The method includes operating the magnetic source such that a continuous magnetic field is generated and the continuous repulsive magnetic force is less than the mean cementation strength. The method includes producing the production fluid from the production zone to the wellbore at a production rate. The method includes maintaining the magnetic source and the production rate of the hydrocarbon fluid such that within the distance from the magnetic source the production fluid drag force is less than or equal to the continuous repulsive magnetic force.

Sand production control through the use of magnetic forces

A process for controlling the production of loose sand particles within an underground formation through the use of magnetic forces is provided. The loose sand particles are magnetized and then subjected to a magnetic field of sufficient strength such that the operator can control the movement of the loose sand particles within the underground formation. In some instances, the present invention can provide an efficient process for keeping the loose sand particles within the formation, and thereby prolonging the useful life of the downhole equipment. In other instances, the present invention can provide an efficient process for sweeping the loose sand particles out of the underground formation in a controlled fashion. The present invention includes at least three embodiments for magnetizing the loose sand particles, including direct magnetization, contacting the sand particles with a magnetizing reagent, and contacting the sand particles with paramagnetic nanoparticles.

A test cell and method for stress testing a test specimen including a first platen and a second platen. Each platen having a loading surface, an inclined surface, and a longitudinal axis. The inclined surface being inclined relative to the longitudinal axis at an angle and the inclined surface having a specimen recess formed therein for receiving a portion of the test specimen such that when the inclined surface of the second platen is positioned in a face-to-face relationship with the inclined surface of the first platen, a shear stress is applied to the test specimen when an axial load is applied to the first and second platens. The platens further including fluid ports to subject the test specimen to fluid flow at various pressures and fluid chemistries and ultrasonic transducers to determine acoustic, compressional, and shear wave velocities and in multiple orientations.

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Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Ashraf Al-Tahini