Paxcell EnergySpecialty Oilwell Technology
Sand aggregation technology

Prevent sand. Improve oil flow. Manage water cut.

TruFlo-N is a water-dispersible polymer that reprograms grain-surface charges so sand forms porous aggregates — not a glued, damaged pack.

Mechanism

Four steps in the near-wellbore

1. Adsorption

Polymer adsorbs onto sand grains and formation fines in aqueous solution.

2. Charge alteration

Surface ionic charges are modified. Attractive and repulsive forces rebalance.

3. Aggregation

Particles form larger, stable, porous clusters that resist migration.

4. Result

Sand stays put. Oil flow paths stay open. Water permeability drops.

Resin film clogging pores versus TruFlo-N polymer bridges
Versus resin

Aggregation, not glue.

Resin coats grains with a rigid film and often impairs permeability. TruFlo-N does not replace natural cement. It works with the rock fabric.

PrincipleSurface-charge attraction, not a sticky film
Oil permeabilityMaintained or improved
Water permeabilityPreferentially reduced
Damage riskVery low when a post-flush is used
PlacementBullhead or coiled tubing; longer intervals with diverters
RetreatmentStraightforward
Water cut

Oil mobility up. Water mobility down.

Aggregates create open pore networks that favor the oil phase. Surface-charge effects hinder water mobility in the treated zone. Operators typically see higher oil rate at the same or lower water cut.

  • Field average 40%+ production increase
  • Does not dissolve existing intergranular cement
  • Suitable for remedial sand control and frac-proppant flowback
  • Not a stand-alone shale/clay treatment — use a shale-inhibitor pre-flush where clay is present
Loose grains versus porous aggregates
Deployment

Typical treatment sequence

Displace

Displace tubing and interval with 2–6% KCl brine (or 7% KCl / NH4Cl where clay control is required).

Condition

Pump a formation-conditioner pill (KCl + surfactant) to strip oil film and prepare surfaces for adsorption.

Place TruFlo-N

Pump 2–6% KCl with 5–10% TruFlo-N. Bullhead, or reciprocate coil tubing across perforations. Target about 1–3 ft radial coverage.

Overflush and soak

Limited KCl overflush. Shut in 12–24 hours. A post-flush is required to avoid overtreatment; acid can reverse an overtreat.

Restore

Bring the well back slowly. Track sand, oil rate, and water cut. Retreatment is possible if the well needs it later.

Product data

Physical properties

State / colorLiquid, dark red to dark brown
OdorPungent amine or ammonia
Specific gravity @ 25 °CApprox. 1.0–1.2
pH6–8
SolubilitySoluble in methanol; dispersible in brines at low concentration
Flash point / viscosity> 65 °C / < 2000 cps @ 20 °C

Field performance