abstract |
Disclosed are fluid and method for suspending resin coated sand in order to place the sand adjacent to a production well for the purpose of forming a permeable consolidated gravel pack. The fluid contains a viscosifying amount of hydroxyethylcellulose, sufficient fluorescent dye to increase the viscosity of the fluid, sodium chloride, and an acid forming component such as phthalic anhydride or succinic anhydride. As fluid containing the resin coated gravel particles is pumped down the injection string and positioned where it is desired to form the consolidated gravel pack, the acid forming material slowly reacts with water to form an acid, reducing the pH of the fluid, and thereby reducing the viscosity of the carrier fluid which facilitates the resin coated sand grains coming together in order to form the desired gravel pack. |