We at VitriTech are continually searching for challenges that our glass solutions can solve while improving on existing applications. The markets here showcase the products we have developed and the new products we are developing while working closely with our clients.
Over 10 years of research and development have gone into our phosphate glass solution for the oil and gas industry. With field proven results and unique properties, these glass solutions enable operators to achieve full production potential and reduce operating expense in challenging formations.
Our novel glass solutions have been laboratory tested and field proven to have excellent injectability and permanently increase the strength of the formation. These solutions can be mixed and pumped with the conventional equipment on drilling rigs and intervention vessels for a variety of well types and operations.
Product:
VitriReinforce – has a viscosity similar to water and excellent injectability into tight formations. Once in place, the glass solution precipitates to form natural oblong minerals in the apatite type family that results in permanent strength increase in unconsolidated formations while maintaining original permeability.
The field proven and ready-to-use product is compatible with chalk reservoirs. The chalk-suitable solution precipitates a mineral forming a grid that will keep the chalk immobile and increase the near wellbore stability. Chalk formations treated with VitriReinforce have been extensively proven in both the laboratory and the field to inject into 1.5 mD chalk while maintaining near original permeability after treatment and with a 3 to 5 times tensile strength increase. A solution for sand reservoirs is currently under development and is expected to have similar performance with some reduction in permeability to the formation.
The first field trial in a chalk reservoir in the Norwegian North Sea was successfully completed in 2020. The glass treatment has shown no chalk production in the reservoir which, with previous treatments, was unstable and commonly plagued with chalk production and influxes. Additionally, a higher drawdown has been applied multiple times while showing no signs of failure. Our client is happy with the results and exploring future trials, including use in fracturing operations, acid treated chalk reservoirs, and open hole MLT junctions.
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Product in development:
VitriSeal – has the same excellent injectability and strength increase as VitriReinforce, yet forms an impermeable material, ideal for sealing water flow, and blocking water shortcuts and fractures in reservoirs and overburden formations. This product is currently under development and is based on similar technology to VitriReinforce.
Watch our latest webinar where we discuss how our glass products can be used for oil and gas consolidation:
We are currently developing a low viscosity glass solution that has excellent injectability into micro fractures and tight formations, while providing permanent sealing and strength increase. These solutions will be based on the same novel technology used in the oil and gas market, but are tailored to meet the demands of the tunnelling environment.
In-depth laboratory testing indicates our glass solution as having the best in class injectability compared to other established solutions, while resulting in quick (1 to 2 hours) sealing and strength development.
Our solutions can be used with the standard injection and pumping equipment currently used in tunnelling and construction. The glass solution is provided pre-mixed in liquid solution, either in a concentrated or ready-to-pump form.
VitriTech manufactures a suite of biomedical glasses, uniquely designed to act as a powerful delivery system of bio-active agents. Each customised formulation is designed to enable precise control over the dissolution rate of the glass. This sodium, phosphate glass is water soluble and dissolves completely and harmlessly in any aqueous environment, breaking down into entirely safe and non-toxic sodium, calcium and phosphate ions. The process of dissolution involves complete bio reabsorption, leaving no trace of residue. When an active metal is included in the manufacture it becomes part of the molecular structure of the glass and is held there until the glass is exposed to an aqueous environment, at which point it is released as an ion at a controlled rate. This results in a versatile range of glasses, capable of delivering an unlimited range of biodegradable or controlled release profiles that are precise and highly efficient, delivering the ion precisely at the point of need.
Bioactive glasses, which are biocompatible within the human body, have been developed as fibres which are reabsorbable and are used for implants, wound care, and powders to coat implants. They also have the ability to combine these biomedical qualities with a residual stabilising structure which can facilitate regeneration at the point of injury.
Product:
Corglaes Ag – is an antimicrobial glass delivering silver ions, used in medical, dental, personal care, water treatment, and the oil and glass industry. It’s main application, a topical powder for wound treatment, is approved by the healthcare industry internationally. The release of silver ions prevents the spread of infection in wounds.
Product in development:
Corglaes Cu – delivering copper ions, prevents biological growth, is antifungal, and antifouling, and is a prime candidate for use in marine applications, cosmetics and agriculture.
Corglaes Zn – delivering zinc ions, has uses as a corrosion preventative and treatment in the oil and gas industry. it also has applications in personal care and fire safety.
View the full list of ions and applications
Our anti-microbial glass, which has been verified by external laboratories, has a unique application in the marine sector to reduce aerobic and sulphur metabolizing bacteria induced corrosion, scaling and fouling. Because the composition, size and morphology of the glass can be customized to control the release of the active elements into the environment you only have a toxicological effect in a small, controlled region. This ideally could replace current chemicals, reducing the detrimental impact on the surrounding environment. Testing is underway to perfect deployment methods include incorporation into paints, electroplating, enamelling and direct dosing as pellets or liquids.
The current project involves developing glasses and carrying out microbiological testing. It is due to complete in early 2021 but candidate glasses have already been identified that are suitable for pilot trials.
Our team of engineers and scientists are always happy to help you tailor and apply our solutions. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us!
