FoamResin

Foam is non-invasive - Resin invades the pore space.

Foam injection guarantees stabilisation along the core length as all tubes are inspected and injection points drilled to ensure complete encapsulation.

Resin works by gravitational drainage and consequently the resin will only flow where there is totally open annulus. This is extremely important in friable sediments, as the annulus invariably is not clear through.

Foam can be peeled from the core surface for inspection - resin injected core has to be slabbed before any inspection for sampling, bedding etc can occur.

The foam has a protective cushioning effect as opposed to the rigid resin set fill.

The foam is invisible to CT scans.

Foam method allows for less movement of core during the stabilisation process, and can even allow for full nine metre sections to be stabilised before cutting into one metre lengths, limiting the potential for loss of integrity.

The foam can be used to stabilise cores which have been taken using the half moon system. This system allows for full core inspection before successfully stabilising it for shipment.

There are important health and safety advantages of the foam injection method. In the foam method the chemicals are sealed in pressurised ozone friendly canisters and are released through a specific hose and nozzle system that belongs to each container set. This minimises any chance of spillage, pollution or personnel exposure to hazardous chemicals. Foam canisters can be carried by air freight!

For the resin method the chemicals are stored in separate containers and require decanting on site. The chemicals are an isocyanate and a polyether polyol solution in high boiling point aromatic. The chemicals are required to be mixed in exact proportions and require a two component pumping system, which requires to be cleaned using chlorinated solvents after every core. The isocyanate is harmful by inhalation and reacts with water to produce carbon dioxide gas, this is particularly important if decanting in a wet environment and sealing the container after! The polyol has a short shelf life, particularly in severe climates, and tends to polymerise after a few months creating mixing and setting problems. All the chemicals used in the resin method require specialised handling and disposal procedures.

(This does not mean that procedures are followed as some oil companies allow competitors to hand mix and pour these chemicals. We will not undertake this type of work but it is this type of competition and cost cutting which is becoming prevalent in some areas.)

Considering the types of working environment, the climatic impacts, and the petrophysical advantages of foam, our opinion is that it is an advantage to all parties to minimise and if possible eliminate any work with the resin method and its associated chemicals and equipment.