Wellbore Fluids Comprising Mineral Particles and Methods Relating Thereto

Abstract

Mineral particles may provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities, and methods relating thereto. Mineral particles may be utilized in methods that include introducing a wellbore fluid having a density of about 7 ppg to about 50 ppg into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the wellbore fluid comprising a base fluid and a plurality of mineral particles, and the wellbore fluid having a first viscosity; contacting at least some of the mineral particles with a linking agent so as to link the at least some of the mineral particles, thereby increasing the first viscosity to a second viscosity.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The present invention relates to mineral particles that provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities, and methods relating thereto.[0002]In the exploration and recovery of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations, a variety of wellbore operations are performed, e.g., drilling operations, cementing operations, and stimulation operations. One physical property of the wellbore fluids used in conjunction with these wellbore operations is density. For example during drilling operations, the density of a wellbore fluid must be carefully controlled so as to exert sufficient pressure to stabilize the walls of the wellbore, e.g., to prevent blowouts, while simultaneously not exerting excess pressure that can cause damage to the surrounding subterranean formation. In another example, the density of spacer fluids and cementing operations must be carefully balanced so as to minimize or prevent mixing of other wellbore fluids on either side of the spac...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to a method for improving the viscosity of a wellbore fluid used in oil and gas drilling operations. This is achieved by adding a base fluid and mineral particles to the fluid, and then linking some of the mineral particles together using a linking agent. This results in a second viscosity that is greater than the first viscosity, which has various uses such as bridging fractures, reducing permeability, controlling fluid loss, and plugging voids. Overall, the invention improves the viscosity of the wellbore fluid and enhances its ability to perform various drilling functions.

Problems solved by technology

However, as the exploration and recovery of hydrocarbons expands to subterranean formations with harsher conditions (e.g., extreme temperatures, higher pressures, increased depths, and new lithologies) the complexity of wellbore fluids often increases.

Wellbore fluid complexity can lead to negative synergistic effects between wellbore additives, including barite.

For example, the combination of barite to increase density and viscosifiers to mitigate particle settling can lead to wellbore fluids with viscosities too high to be pumped efficiently and effectively in a wellbore.

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