AU2015215837A1 - Cement compositions and methods utilizing nano-hydraulic cement - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of fracturing in a subterranean formation including, fracturing the subterranean formation and introducing a proppant including a nano-particle into one or more fractures in the subterranean formation.

Description

1 CEMENT COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS UTILIZING NANO-HYDRAULIC CEMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention provides a method of fracturing in a subterranean formation including: fracturing the subterranean formation; and introducing a proppant including a nano-particle into one or more fractures in the subterranean formation, wherein the nano-particle has a mean particle size of less than 1 micron. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to well treatment fluids and methods utilizing nano-particles and, in certain embodiments, to well cement compositions and methods utilizing nano-hydraulic cement. [0003] In general, well treatments include a wide variety of methods that may be performed in oil, gas, geothermal and/or water wells, such as drilling, completion and workover methods. The drilling, completion and workover methods may include, but are not limited to, drilling, fracturing, acidizing, logging, cementing, gravel packing, perforating and conformance methods. Many of these well treatments are designed to enhance and/or facilitate the recovery of desirable fluids from a subterranean well. Examples of such well treatments are discussed hereinbelow. [0004] In cementing methods, such as well construction and remedial cementing, well cement compositions are commonly utilized. For example, in subterranean well construction, a pipe string (e.g., casing and liners) may be run into a well bore and cemented in place using a cement composition. The process of cementing the pipe string in place is commonly referred to as "primary cementing." In a typical primary cementing method, a cement composition may be pumped into an annulus between the walls of the well bore and the exterior surface of the pipe string disposed therein. The cement composition sets in the annular space, thereby forming an annular sheath of hardened, substantially impermeable cement that supports and positions the pipe string in the well 2 bore and bonds the exterior surface of the pipe string to the subterranean formation. Among other things, the annular sheath of set cement surrounding the pipe string functions to prevent the migration of fluids in the annulus, as well as protecting the pipe string from corrosion. Cement compositions also may be used in remedial cementing methods, such as squeeze cementing, repairing casing strings and the placement of cement plugs. In some instances, cement compositions may be used to change the direction of the well bore, for example, by drilling a pilot hole in a hardened mass of cement, commonly referred to as a "kickoff plug," placed in the well bore. [0005] Hydraulic fracturing is a process commonly used to increase the flow of desirable fluids, such as oil and gas, from a portion of a subterranean formation. Hydraulic fracturing operations generally involve introducing a fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures in the formation. Enhancing a fracture includes enlarging a pre-existing fracture in the formation. The fracturing fluid may comprise particulates, often referred to as "proppant" that are deposited in the fractures. The proppant functions to prevent the fractures from fully closing upon the release of pressure, forming conductive channels through which fluids may flow to (or from) the well bore. [0006] Another process that involves the use of particulates is gravel packing. A "gravel pack" is a term commonly used to refer to a volume of particulate materials (such as sand) placed into a well bore to at least partially reduce the migration of unconsolidated formation particulates into the well bore. Gravel packing operations commonly involve placing a gravel pack screen in the well bore neighboring a desired portion of the subterranean formation, and packing the surrounding annulus between the screen and the subterranean formation with particulate materials that are sized to prevent and inhibit the passage of formation solids through the gravel pack with produced fluids. In some instances, a screenless gravel packing operation may be performed.

3 SUMMARY OF OPTIONAL EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention relates to well treatment fluids and methods utilizing nano-particles and, in certain embodiments, to well cement compositions and methods utilizing nano-hydraulic cement. [0008] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of gravel packing in a subterranean formation, including depositing a volume of a particulate comprising a nano-particle into a well bore to at least partially reduce the migration of unconsolidated formation particulates into the well bore. [0009] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method that comprises introducing hydrated nano-hydraulic cement particulates into a subterranean formation. [0010] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a well treatment fluid that comprises nano-hydraulic cement. [0011] The features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. While numerous changes may be made by those skilled in the art, such changes are within the spirit of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS [0012] The present invention relates to well treatment fluids and methods utilizing nano-particles and, in certain embodiments, to well cement compositions and methods utilizing nano-hydraulic cement. [0013] An embodiment of the cement compositions of the present invention comprises nano-hydraulic cement, hydraulic cement, and water. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the cement compositions generally should have a density suitable for a particular application. By way of example, the cement composition may have a density in the range of from about 4 pounds per gallon ("ppg") to about 20 ppg. In certain embodiments, the cement compositions may have a density in the 4 range of from about 8 ppg to about 17 ppg. Embodiments of the cement compositions may be foamed or unfoamed or may comprise other means to reduce their densities, such as hollow microspheres, low-density elastic beads, or other density-reducing additives known in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, will recognize the appropriate density for a particular application. [0014] Nano-hydraulic cements have a variety of applications for well cementing, including both primary and remedial cementing operations. "Nano-hydraulic cement" may be defined as a cement with cement particles having a mean particle size of less than 1 micron. For example, nano-hydraulic cement may have a mean particle size in the range of from about 20 nanometers ("nm") to about 310 ran, alternatively about 20 nm to about 150 nm, and alternatively about 20 nm to about 100 nm. A suitable nano-hydraulic cement and technique that may be used to measure particle size, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, is described by S C Halim, T J Brunner, R N Grass, M Bohner and W J Stark, Preparation of an Ultra Fast Binding Cement from Calcium Silicate-Based Mixed Oxide Nanoparticles, NANOTECHNOLOGY 18 (2007) 395701 (6pp). Among other advantages of using nano-hydraulic cement is that it should provide a cement composition with a lower density and reduced set time. It is believed that the reduced set time of the nano-hydraulic cement may be from early reactivity. In addition, since nano hydraulic cement particles are small particles, the nano-hydraulic cement should be capable of invading narrow openings that standard cements are unable to access. Accordingly, nano-hydraulic cements may be particularly suitable for use in squeeze cement applications. For example, nano-hydraulic cements may be used to seal voids in a pipe string, cement sheath, or gravel pack. As used herein, the term "void" refers to any type of space, including fractures, holes, cracks, spaces, channels, and the like. It is believed that the nano-hydraulic cement will be able to penetrate voids that are not repairable with larger-ized cements. [0015] In certain embodiments, the treatment fluid comprises nano-hydraulic cement. Generally, any hydraulic cement suitable for use in cementing operations and sized less than 1 micron may be suitable for use as a nano-hydraulic cement in embodiments in the present invention. Suitable hydraulic cements include those classified as Classes A through H according to American Petroleum Institute, API Specification for 5 Materials and Testing for Well Cements, API Specification 10, Fifth Ed., July 1, 1990. In certain embodiments, API Class A, C, G and H nano-hydraulic cements may be preferred. A variety of nano-hydraulic cements are suitable for use, including those comprised of calcium, aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and/or sulfur, which set and harden by reaction with water. Such nano-hydraulic cements include, but are not limited to, Portland cements, pozzolanic cements, gypsum cements, soil cements, calcium phosphate cements, high alumina content cements, silica cements, high-alkalinity cements, or mixtures thereof. [0016] The nano-hydraulic cement may be present in embodiments of the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of from about 0.01% to 100% by weight of cementitious material. As used herein, the term "cementitious material" refers to nano-hydraulic cement, hydraulic cement, and cement kiln dust, which set and harden by reaction with water. In some embodiments, the nano-hydraulic cement may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 1% to 75% by weight of cementitious material. In some embodiments, the nano-hydraulic cement may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight of cementitious material. In some embodiments, the nano-hydraulic cement may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 1% to about 25% by weight of cementitious material. [0017] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a "hydraulic cement" that has a mean particle size of greater than 1 micron. Generally, any hydraulic cement suitable for use in cementing operations may be suitable for use in the present invention. Suitable hydraulic cements include those classified as Classes A through H according to American Petroleum Institute, API Specification for Materials and Testing for Well Cements, API Specification 10, Fifth Ed., July 1, 1990. In certain embodiments, API Class A, C, G and H hydraulic cements may be preferred. A variety of hydraulic cements may be suitable for use, including those comprised of calcium, aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and/or sulfur, which set and harden by reaction with water. Such hydraulic cements include, but are not limited to, Portland cements, pozzolanic cements, gypsum cements, soil cements, calcium phosphate cements, high-alumina content cements, silica cements, high-alkalinity cements, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the hydraulic cement may be a micro fine cement (e.g., a micro-fine Portland cement) having a mean particle size of less than 6 about 30 microns, alternatively less than about 17 microns, and alternatively less than about 11 microns. A suitable micro-fine Portland cement composition is described in U.S. Patent 5,125,455, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [0018] Where present, the hydraulic cement generally may be included in the cement compositions in an amount sufficient to provide the desired compressive strength, density, and/or cost. In some embodiments, the hydraulic cement may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 0% to about 99% by weight of cementitious materials. In some embodiments, the hydraulic cement may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 0% to about 75% by weight of cementitious materials. In some embodiments, the hydraulic cement may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 0% to about 50% by weight by weight of cementitious materials. In some embodiments, the hydraulic cement may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount in the range of from about 0% to about 25% by weight of cementitious materials. [0019] In some embodiments, a pozzolanic cement that may be suitable for use comprises fly ash. As used herein, "fly ash" refers to the residue from the combustion of powdered or ground coal, wherein the fly ash carried by flue gases may be recovered, for example, by electrostatic precipitation. A variety of fly ashes may be suitable, including fly ash classified as Class C and Class F fly ash according to American Petroleum Institute, API Specification for Materials and Testing for Well Cements, API Specification 10, Fifth Ed., July 1, 1990. Class C fly ash comprises both silica and lime so that, when mixed with water, it sets to form a hardened mass. Class F fly ash generally does not contain sufficient lime, so an additional source of calcium ions is required for the Class F fly ash to form a cement composition with water. In some embodiments, lime may be mixed with Class F fly ash in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 25% by weight of the fly ash. In some instances, the lime may be hydrated lime. Suitable examples of fly ash include, but are not limited to, "POZMIX@ A" cement additive, commercially available from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Duncan, Oklahoma.

7 [0020] Where present, the fly ash generally may be included in the cement compositions in an amount sufficient to provide the desired compressive strength, density, and/or cost. In some embodiments, the fly ash may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 1% to about 75% by weight of cementitious materials. In some embodiments, the fly ash may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 5% to about 50% by weight of cementitious materials. [0021] In some embodiments, a slag cement that may be suitable for use may comprise slag. As used herein, "slag" refers to a granulated, blast furnace by-product formed in the production of cast iron and generally comprises oxidized impurities found in iron ore. Slag generally does not contain sufficient basic material, so slag cement further may comprise a base to produce a cement composition that may react with water to set to form a hardened mass. Examples of suitable sources of bases include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, lime, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the slag cement may comprise micro-fine slag wherein less than 3 weight % of the slag particles have a particle size of greater than about 7.8 microns. A suitable micro-fine slag composition is described in U.S. Patent 5,026,215, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [0022] Where present, the slag cement generally may be included in the cement compositions in an amount sufficient to provide the desired compressive strength, density, and/or cost. In some embodiments, the slag cement may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 1% to about 99% by weight of cementitious materials. In some embodiments, the slag cement may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight of cementitious materials. [0023] The water used in certain embodiments of the cement compositions of the present invention may be freshwater or saltwater (e.g., water containing one or more salts dissolved therein, seawater, brines, saturated saltwater, etc.). In general, the water may be present in an amount sufficient to form a pumpable slurry. In certain embodiments, the water may be present in the cement compositions in an amount in the range of about 33% 8 to about 200% by weight of cementitious materials. In certain embodiments, the water may be present in an amount in the range of about 35% to about 70% by weight of cementitious materials. [0024] In certain embodiments, the cement mixture will comprise cement kiln dust ("CKD"). As used herein, "CKD" refers to a partially calcined kiln feed which may be removed from the gas stream and collected in a dust collector during the manufacturer of cement. The CKD should be included in the cement compositions in an amount sufficient to provide the desired compressive strength, density, and/or cost reduction. In some embodiments, the CKD may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 0.01% to about 99% by weight of cementitious materials. In some embodiments, the CKD may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 1% to about 75% by weight of cementitious materials. In some embodiments, the CKD may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight of cementitious materials. In some embodiments, the CKD may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 1% to about 25% by weight of cementitious materials. [0025] In certain embodiments, the cement compositions of the present invention may further comprise metakaolin. Generally, metakaolin is a white pozzolan that may be prepared by heating kaolin clay, for example, to temperatures in the range of from about 6000 to about 800'C. In some embodiments, the metakaolin may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight of cementitious materials. In some embodiments, the metakaolin may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 25% by weight of cementitious materials. [0026] In certain embodiments, the cement compositions of the present invention further may comprise shale. Among other things, shale included in the cement compositions may react with excess lime to form a suitable cementing material, for example, calcium silicate hydrate. A variety of shales are suitable, including those comprising silicon, aluminum, calcium, and/or magnesium. An example of a suitable shale comprises vitrified shale. Suitable examples of vitrified shale include, but are not limited to, "PRESSUR- SEAL FINE LCM" material and "PRESSUR-SEAL@ COARSE LCM" 9 material, which are commercially available from TXI Energy Services, Inc., Houston, Texas. Generally, the shale may have any particle size distribution as desired for a particular application. In certain embodiments, the shale may have a particle size distribution in the range of from about 37 micrometers to about 4,750 micrometers. [0027] Where present, the shale may be included in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount sufficient to provide the desired compressive strength, density, and/or cost. In some embodiments, the shale may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 75% by weight of cementitious materials. In some embodiments, the shale may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 35% by weight of cementitious materials. One of ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, will recognize the appropriate amount of the shale to include for a chosen application. [0028] In certain embodiments, the cement compositions of the present invention further may comprise zeolite. Zeolites generally are porous alumino-silicate minerals that may be either a natural or synthetic material. Synthetic zeolites are based on the same type of structural cell as natural zeolites, and may comprise aluminosilicate hydrates. As used herein, the term "zeolite" refers to all natural and synthetic forms of zeolite. [0029] In certain embodiments, suitable zeolites for use in present invention may include "analcime" (which is hydrated sodium aluminum silicate), "bikitaite" (which is lithium aluminum silicate), "brewsterite" (which is hydrated strontium barium calcium aluminum silicate), "chabazite" (which is hydrated calcium aluminum silicate), "clinoptilolite" (which is hydrated sodium aluminum silicate), "faujasite" (which is hydrated sodium potassium calcium magnesium aluminum silicate), "ferrierite", "harmotome" (which is hydrated barium aluminum silicate), "heulandite" (which is hydrated sodium calcium aluminum silicate), "laumontite" (which is hydrated calcium aluminum silicate), "mesolite" (which is hydrated sodium calcium aluminum silicate), "natrolite" (which is hydrated sodium aluminum silicate), "paulingite" (which is hydrated potassium sodium calcium barium aluminum silicate), "phillipsite" (which is hydrated potassium sodium calcium aluminum silicate), "scolecite" (which is hydrated calcium aluminum silicate), "stellerite" (which is hydrated calcium aluminum silicate), "stilbite" (which is hydrated sodium calcium aluminum silicate), and "thomsonite" (which is 10 hydrated sodium calcium aluminum silicate), and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, suitable zeolites for use in the present invention include chabazite and clinoptilolite. An example of a suitable source of zeolite is available from the C2C Zeolite Corporation of Calgary, Canada. [0030] In some embodiments, the zeolite may be present in the cement compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 1% to about 65% by weight of cementitious materials. In certain embodiments, the zeolite may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 40% by weight of cementitious materials. [0031] In addition, certain embodiments of the cement compositions may comprise nano-silica. The nano-silica may be described as particulate nano-silica. That is, the nano silica may be particulate in nature and not, for example, a colloidal silica or a suspension of silica in solution. Indeed, in one embodiment, the particulate nano-silica may be added to the cement composition as a dry nano-silica powder. Generally, the particulate nano-silica may be defined as nano-silica having a mean particle size of less than or equal to about 100 nm. For example, the particulate nano-silica may have a mean particle size in the range of from about 1 nm to about 100 nm (about 1 x 10' 9 m to about 100A1 O'9 M). In certain embodiments, the particulate nano-silica may have a particle size of less than or equal to about 50 nm. For example, the particulate nano-silica may have a particle size in the range of from about 5 nm to about 50 nm. In further certain embodiments, the particulate nano silica may have a particle size of less than or equal to about 30 nm. For example, the particulate nano-silica may have a particle size in the range of from about 5 nm to about 30 nm. However, it should be noted that the particulate nano-silica may be utilized in combination with differently sized silica particles in accordance with present embodiments. For example, a number of silica particles with particle sizes greater than 100 nm may be included in a cement composition in accordance with present embodiments. [0032] It is now recognized that the particulate nano-silica utilized with present embodiments, which may include silicon dioxide, may have an impact on certain physical characteristics of resulting cements. For example, relative to inclusion of colloidal silica or larger silica particles in a cement slurry, inclusion of particulate nano-silica in the cement slurry may provide improved mechanical properties, such as compressive strength, tensile 11 strength, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. In addition, the particulate nano-silica also may be included in the cement composition as a set accelerator to accelerate the set time of the resultant cement composition. Accordingly, a cement composition in accordance with present embodiments may comprise a sufficient amount of particulate nano-silica to provide the desired characteristics in a resulting cement. In certain embodiments, the particulate nano-silica may be present in the cement composition in an amount in the range of from about 1% to about 25% by weight of cementitious materials. In certain embodiments, the particulate nano-silica may be present in the cement composition in an amount in the range of from about 5% to about 15% by weight of cementitious materials. [0033] Other additives suitable for use in subterranean cementing operations also may be added to certain embodiments of the cement compositions. Examples of such additives include, strength-retrogression additives, set accelerators, weighting agents, weight- reducing additives, heavyweight additives, lost-circulation materials, filtration control additives, dispersants, defoaming agents, foaming agents, and combinations thereof. Specific examples of these, and other, additives include crystalline silica, amorphous silica, salts, fibers, hydratable clays, vitrified shale, microspheres, lime, latex, thixotropic additives, combinations thereof and the like. A person having ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, will readily be able to determine the type and amount of additive useful for a particular application and desired result. [0034] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, certain embodiments of the cement compositions of the present invention may be used in a variety of subterranean applications, including primary and remedial cementing. Certain embodiments of the cement compositions may be introduced into a subterranean formation and allowed to set therein. Certain embodiments of the cement compositions may comprise nano-hydraulic cement, hydraulic cement, and water. By way of example, in certain primary cementing embodiments, a cement composition may be introduced into a space between a subterranean formation and a pipe string located in the subterranean formation. The cement composition may be allowed to set to form a hardened mass in the space between the subterranean formation and the pipe string. In addition, in certain remedial cementing embodiments, a cement composition may be used, for example, in squeeze cementing operations or in the placement of cement plugs. For example, embodiments of 12 the cement compositions may used to: penetrate a gravel pack to shut off water or gas production, penetrate a gravel pack to divert steam injections, and penetrate a gravel pack to plug and abandon a well. One or more hydrocarbons (e.g., oil, gas, etc.) may be produced from a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation. [0035] While the preceding discussion is directed to the use of a non-hydraulic, particulate nano-silica and nano-hydraulic cement, those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that it may be desirable to utilize other suitable types of non-hydraulic nano-particles, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Examples of such non-hydraulic nano-particles include nano-clays, nano-alumina, nano-zinc oxide, nano-boron, nano-iron oxide and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the nano particles may be particulate in nature and not, for example, a colloidal nano-particle or a suspension of the nano-particle in solution. In certain embodiments, the nano-clay may comprise nano- montmorillonite. Nano-montmorillonite is member of the smectite-clay family, and belongs to the general mineral group of clays with a sheet-like structure where the dimensions in two directions far exceed its thickness. Generally, the nano montmorillonite has of a three-layered structure of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of silicon, similar to the mica- type layered silicates. Montmorillonite is an active and major ingredient in a volcanic ash called bentonite, which has an ability to swell to many times its original weight and volume when it absorbs water. One example of a suitable nano-montmorillonite is NANOMER@ nanoclay, which is available from Nanocor, Arlington Heights, Illinois. [0036] Furthermore, while the preceding discussion is directed to the use of nano particles in well cementing methods, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present technique also encompasses the use of nano-particles in any of a variety of different subterranean treatments. For example, nano-hydraulic cement may be included in any of a number of well treatment fluids that may be used in subterranean treatments, including drilling fluids, completion fluids, stimulation fluids and well clean-up fluids. In accordance with another embodiment, the nano-hydraulic cement may be included as proppant in a well treatment fluid. By way of example, a proppant may be used that comprises nano-hydraulic cement. In the proppant embodiments, the proppant comprising the nano-hydraulic cement may be prepared by a process comprising: allowing a cement 13 composition comprising water, nano-hydraulic cement, and an optional hydraulic cement to set into a substantially hydrated mass; and comminuting the substantially hydrated mass into smaller particles so as to form the proppant (or substantially hydrated cement particles). The preparation of substantially hydrated cement particles is described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 6,648,962, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. When used as a proppant, for example, a well treatment fluid containing the proppant may be introduced into a subterranean formation at or above a fracturing pressure of a subterranean formation. At least a portion of the proppant may be deposited in one or more fractures in the subterranean formation such that the fractures are prevented from fully closing upon the release of pressure, forming conductive channels through which fluids may flow to (or from) the well bore. [0037] In addition, the nano-particles may be also be used in gravel-packing operations. For example, particulates comprising nano-hydraulic cement may be used in a gravel-packing operation. A "gravel pack" is a term commonly use to refer to a volume of particulate materials (such as sand) placed into a well bore to at least partially reduce the migration of unconsolidated formation particulates into the well bore. The particulates for use in the gravel-packing operations may be prepared in a manner similar to the proppant comprising the nano-hydraulic cement. In gravel-packing embodiments, a volume of particulates comprising the nano-hydraulic cement may be placed in a gravel pack in a subterranean formation. In certain embodiments, a screen may be placed in the well bore and the annulus between the screen and the subterranean formation may be packed with the particulates. In certain embodiments, a screenless gravel-packing operation may be performed. [0038] In addition to the use of the nano-particles without encapsulation, embodiments of the present invention may include using the nano-particles in a contained form. Among other things, use of contained nano-particles should facilitate their use in subterranean applications, for example, by alleviating potentially handling problems. In certain embodiments, contained nano-particles include encapsulated nano-particles. Specifically, encapsulation of the nano-particles in accordance with present embodiments may include enclosing the nano-particles within an outer coating or container in particulate form. Certain methods of encapsulation are set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,373,901; 14 6,444,316; 6,527,051; 6,554,071; 7,156,174; and 7,204,312, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. [0039] Various types of encapsulation may be employed such that the nanoparticles (e.g., the nano-hydraulic cement) are contained but retains its particulate nature and, thus, retains its corresponding impact on physical properties of cement slurries. For example, the nano-particles may be encapsulated within a bag, capsule, layer, coating or the like. Further, the material utilized to encapsulate the nano-particles may be selected to facilitate transportation and/or incorporation of the nano-particles into a well treatment fluid. For example, to facilitate handling of the nano-particles and/or to facilitate timed release of the nano-particles, the encapsulation material may be degradable. This may facilitate handling of the nano-particles by allowing inclusion of the encapsulated nano-particles in a well treatment fluid without requiring that the nano-particles first be removed from the encapsulating material. Further, the encapsulating material may be designed to degrade at a certain rate when in contact with certain materials (e.g., water) so that the nano-particles are released into the well treatment fluid at a desired time. Certain water-dissolvable materials that may be utilized to encapsulate the nano-particles are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,961,790 and 5,783,541, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. [0040] In accordance with certain embodiments, the cement compositions of the present invention may utilize a packing volume fraction suitable for a particular application as desired. As used herein, the term "packing volume fraction" refers to the volume of the particulate materials in a fluid divided by the total volume of the fluid. The size ranges of the preferred particulate materials are selected, as well as their respective proportions, in order to provide a maximized packing volume fraction so that the fluid is in a hindered settling state. It is known that, in such a state, the particulate materials behave "collectively" like a porous solid material. The hindered settling state is believed to correspond, in practice, to a much higher solid material concentration in the fluid than that present in the some traditional cement compositions. [0041] The present embodiments may include a combination of at least three features to obtain a maximum packing volume fraction. One is the use of at least three 15 particulate materials wherein the at least three particulate materials are in size ranges "disjointed" from one another. In some embodiments, each of the three particulate materials may include a different particle size selected from the following ranges: about 7 nm to about 50 nm, about 0.05 microns to about 0.5 microns, 0.5 microns to about 10 microns, about 10 microns to about 20 microns, about 20 microns to about 200 microns, about 200 microns to about 800 microns, and greater than about 1 millimeter. For example, a first particulate material may include particles sized from about 7 nm to about 50 nm, a second particulate material may include particles sized from about 0.05 microns to about 0.5 microns, and a third particulate material may include particles sized from about 10 microns to about 20 microns. In accordance with present embodiments, the first particulate material includes at least one of nano-hydraulic cement, nano-clay, nano-silica, nano alumina, nano-zinc oxide, nano-boron, nano-iron oxide or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, one or more of nano-hydraulic cement, micro-fine hydraulic cement, micro fine slag, or other nano- particles may be used to maximize the packing volume fraction. Another feature of present embodiments may include a choice of the proportions of the three particulate materials in relation to the mixing, such that the fluid, when mixed, is in a hindered settling state. Another feature may include the choice of the proportions of the three particulate materials between each other, and according to their respective size ranges, such that the maximum packing volume fraction is at least substantially achieved for the sum total of all particulate materials in the fluid system. Packing volume fraction is described in further detail in U.S. Patent No. 7,213,646, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [0042] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the nano-hydraulic cement composition described herein may be foamed using a gas and a foaming surfactant. The gas utilized in the foamed cement compositions of the present invention may be any gas suitable for foaming a cement composition, including, but not limited to, air or nitrogen, or combinations thereof. Generally, the gas should be present in the foamed cement compositions of the present invention in an amount sufficient to form a suitable foam. In certain embodiments, the gas may be present in an amount in the range of from about 10% and about 80% by volume of the composition.

16 [0043] Any suitable foaming and stabilizing surfactant may be used in the foamed cement composition of the present invention. Among other things, the foaming and stabilizing surfactants may facilitate the foaming of a cement composition and/or also stabilize the resultant foamed cement composition formed therewith. Suitable foaming and stabilizing surfactants may include, but are not limited to: mixtures of an ammonium salt of an alkyl ether sulfate, a cocoamidopropyl betaine surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodium chloride, and water; mixtures of an ammonium salt of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodium chloride, and water; hydrolyzed keratin; mixtures of an ethoxylated alcohol ether sulfate surfactant, an alkyl or alkene amidopropyl betaine surfactant, and an alkyl or alkene dimethylamine oxide surfactant; aqueous solutions of an alpha-olefinic sulfonate surfactant and a betaine surfactant; and combinations thereof. An example of a suitable hydrolyzed keratin is described in United States Patent No. 6,547,871, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Example of suitable mixtures of an ethoxylated alcohol ether sulfate surfactant, an alkyl or alkene amidopropyl betaine surfactant, and an alkyl or alkene dimethylamine oxide surfactant is described in United States Patent No. 6,063,738, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of suitable aqueous solutions of an alpha olefinic sulfonate surfactant and a betaine surfactant are described in United States Patent No. 5,897,699, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, the foaming and stabilizing surfactant comprises a mixture of an ammonium salt of an alkyl ether sulfate, a cocoamidopropyl betaine surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodium chloride, and water. [0044] Generally, the foaming and stabilizing surfactants should be present in the foamed cement compositions of the present invention in an amount sufficient to provide a suitable foam. In some embodiments, the foaming and stabilizing surfactant may be present in an amount in the range of from about 0.8% and about 5% by volume of the water present in the foamed cement composition. [0045] Embodiments of the settable compositions of the present invention may also comprise swellable particles. As used herein, a particle is characterized as swelling when it swells upon contact with oil and/or an aqueous fluid (e.g., water). Swellable particles 17 suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention may generally swell by up to about 50% of their original size at the surface. Under downhole conditions, this swelling may be more, or less, depending on the conditions presented. For example, the swelling may be at least 10% at downhole conditions. In some embodiments, the swelling may be up to about 50% under downhole conditions. However, as those of ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate, the actual swelling when the swellable particles are included in a settable composition may depend on, for example, the concentration of the swellable particles included in the settable composition. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the swellable particles may be included in the settable composition, for example, to counteract the formation of cracks in the cement sheath and/or micro-annulus between the cement sheath and the pipe string or the formation. In general, the swellable particles should be capable of swelling when contacted by aqueous fluids and/or oil to inhibit fluid flow through the crack and/or micro-annulus. Accordingly, the swellable particles may prevent and/or reduce the loss of zonal isolation in spite of the formation of cracks and/or micro-annulus, potentially resulting in an improved annular seal for the extended cement compositions. [0046] An example of swellable particles that may be utilized in embodiments of the present invention comprises a swellable elastomer. Some specific examples of suitable swellable elastomers include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, acrylate butadiene rubber, polyacrylate rubber, isoprene rubber, choloroprene rubber, butyl rubber (HR), brominated butyl rubber (BUR), chlorinated butyl rubber (CIIR), chlorinated polyethylene (CM/CPE), neoprene rubber (CR), styrene butadiene copolymer rubber (SBR), sulphonated polyethylene (CSM), ethylene acrylate rubber (EAM/AEM), epichlorohydrin ethylene oxide copolymer (CO, ECO), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPM and EDPM), ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPT), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, fluorosilicone rubbers (FVMQ), silicone rubbers (VMQ), poly 2,2,1-bicyclo heptene (polynorborneane), and alkylstyrene. One example of a suitable swellable elastomer comprises a block copolymer of a styrene butadiene rubber. Examples of suitable elastomers that swell when in contact with oil include, but are not limited to, nitrile rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR, HNS), fluoro rubbers (FKM), perfluoro rubbers (FFKM), tetrafluorethylene/propylene (TFE/P), isobutylene maleic anhydride. Combinations of suitable swellable elastomers may also be used. Other swellable 18 elastomers that behave in a similar fashion with respect to oil or aqueous fluids also may be suitable. Those of ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, will be able to select an appropriate swellable elastomer for use in embodiments of the settable compositions of the present invention based on a variety of factors, including the application in which the composition will be used and the desired swelling characteristics. [0047] An example of swellable particles that may be utilized in embodiments of the present invention comprises a water-swellable polymer. Some specific examples of suitable water-swellable polymers, include, but are not limited to starch-polyacrylate acid graft copolymer and salts thereof, polyethylene oxide polymer, carboxymethyl cellulose type polymers, polyacrylamide, poly(acrylic acid) and salts thereof, poly(acrylic acid-co acrylamide) and salts thereof, graft-poly(ethylene oxide) of poly(acrylic acid) and salts thereof, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), and poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate),. Combinations of suitable water-swellable polymers may also be used. In certain embodiments, the water-swellable polymers may be crosslinked and/or lightly crosslinked. Other water-swellable polymers that behave in a similar fashion with respect to aqueous fluids also may be suitable. Those of ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, will be able to select appropriate water-swellable polymers for use in embodiments of the settable compositions of the present invention based on a variety of factors, including the application in which the composition will be used and the desired swelling characteristics. [0048] Where used, the swellable particles generally may be included in the settable compositions in an amount sufficient to provide the desired mechanical properties. In some embodiments, the swellable particles may be present in the settable compositions in an amount up to about 25% by weight of the cementitious component. In some embodiments, the swellable particles may be present in the settable compositions in a range of about 5% to about 25% by weight of the cementitious component. In some embodiments, the swellable particles may be present in the settable compositions in a range of about 15% to about 20% by weight of the cementitious component. [0049] In addition, the swellable particles that are utilized may have a wide variety of shapes and sizes of individual particles suitable for use in accordance with embodiments 19 of the present invention. By way of example, the swellable particles may have a well defined physical shape as well as an irregular geometry, including the physical shape of platelets, shavings, fibers, flakes, ribbons, rods, strips, spheroids, beads, pellets, tablets, or any other physical shape. In some embodiments, the swellable particles may have a particle size in the range of about 5 microns to about 1,500 microns. In some embodiments, the swellable particles may have a particle size in the range of about 20 microns to about 500 microns. However, particle sizes outside these defined ranges also may be suitable for particular applications. [0050] Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. In particular, every range of values (of the form, "from about a to about b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a to b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a-b") disclosed herein is to be understood as referring to the power set (the set of all subsets) of the respective range of values, and set forth every range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. [0051] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. [0052] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

20 [0053] This Application is a divisional of the Applicant's Australian Patent Application No. 2013206720, itself a divisional of the Applicant's Australian Patent Application No. 2009321421 and the whole contents thereof are included herein by reference.

Claims (11)

1. A method of gravel packing in a subterranean formation, including: depositing a volume of particular including a nano-particle into a well bore to at least partially reduce the migration of unconsolidated formation particulates into the well bore.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the nano-particle is nano-hydraulic cement.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the nano-hydraulic cement includes cement particulars having a mean particle size of less than about 310 nanometers.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the nano-hydraulic cement includes cement particles having a mean particle size of less in the range of from 20 nanometers to 150 nanometers.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the nano-hydraulic cement includes cement particles having a mean particle size of less in the range of from 20 nanometers to 100 nanometers.

6. The method of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the nano-hydraulic cement includes at least one hydraulic cement selected from the group consisting of a Portland cement, a pozzolanic cement, a gypsum cement, a soil cement, a calcium phosphate cement, a high-alumina content cement, a silica cement, and a high-alkalinity cement.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein the nano-hydraulic cement includes a nano Portland cement.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the nano-particle includes a non-hydraulic nano particle. 2

9. The method of claim 1 or claim 8, wherein the nano-particle includes a non hydraulic nano-particle selected from the group consisting of nano-clays, nano-alumina, nano-zinc oxide, nano-boron, nano-iron oxide and combinations thereof.

10. The method of any one of the preceding claims wherein the gravel packing is a screenless gravel-packing operation.

11. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further including placing a screen in the wellbore, wherein the volume of particular is placed between the screen and the subterranean formation.