Nanoparticle-enhanced polymeric fluid for sand control in unconsolidated petroleum wells

Abstract Reservoir pressure depletion can disrupt the stress equilibrium around the wellbore, increasing effective stress and promoting formation failure and sand production in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs. Conventional mechanical sand-control methods, such as gravel packing and screens, are often costly, operationally complex, and less adaptable to harsh downhole conditions. Chemical consolidation offers a more economical and technically flexible alternative; however, conventional furan-based systems commonly require multiple injection stages, limiting their operational efficiency. This study addresses this limitation by developing a nanoparticle-enhanced, furan-based consolidation system that combines formulation optimization and SiO 2 nanoparticle enhancement in a single-stage injection approach, with curing performance validated under high-pressure conditions. The proposed system was evaluated using laboratory-scale consolidation and core tests, with emphasis on mechanical strength, permeability retention, wettability, and thermal stability. An optimized formulation containing 20% CF and 18% CLA exhibited strong grain-to-grain bonding, compatibility with reservoir brines, preservation of initial rock wettability, and resistance to thermal degradation. SiO 2 nanoparticles were subsequently incorporated at concentrations of 0.25–1.0 wt% to enhance consolidation performance. The optimized nanoparticle-modified system increased unconfined compressive strength to 2130 psi while retaining up to 81% of the initial permeability. Moreover, thermal stability was substantially improved, with weight loss at 500 °C decreasing from approximately 50 to 30%. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed enhanced polymer adhesion to sand grain surfaces. Overall, the results demonstrate that nanoparticle-enhanced furan polymers can provide an effective single-stage chemical consolidation strategy, offering a technically robust and potentially field-viable alternative for sand control and wellbore stabilization in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs.