Drilling fluid additives and fracturing fluid additives containing cellulose nanofibers and/or nanocrystals

Abstract

This disclosure provides drilling fluids and additives as well as fracturing fluids and additives that contain cellulose nanofibers and / or cellulose nanocrystals. In some embodiments, hydrophobic nanocellulose is provided which can be incorporated into oil-based fluids and additives. These water-based or oil-based fluids and additives may further include lignosulfonates and other biomass-derived components. Also, these water-based or oil-based fluids and additives may further include enzymes. The drilling and fracturing fluids and additives described herein may be produced using the AVAP® process technology to produce a nanocellulose precursor, followed by low-energy refining to produce nanocellulose for incorporation into a variety of drilling and fracturing fluids and additives.

Description

PRIORITY DATA[0001]This patent application is a non-provisional patent application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62 / 014,208, filed on Jun. 19, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD[0002]The present invention generally relates to nanocellulose and related materials produced by fractionating lignocellulosic biomass and further processing the cellulose fraction.BACKGROUND[0003]Biomass refining (or biorefining) has become more prevalent in industry. Cellulose fibers and sugars, hemicellulose sugars, lignin, syngas, and derivatives of these intermediates are being utilized for chemical and fuel production. Indeed, we now are observing the commercialization of integrated biorefineries that are capable of processing incoming biomass much the same as petroleum refineries now process crude oil. Underutilized lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks have the potential to be much cheaper than petroleum, on a carbon basis, as well as much better from an ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides drilling fluid additives that can be used in drilling operations. These additives can include hydrophobic lignin-coated cellulose nanofibers and / or cellulose nanocrystals, as well as lignosulfonates, non-sulfonated lignin, enzymes, and other components. These additives can be used in water-based, oil-based, or hybrid drilling fluids. The drilling fluid additives can help improve the performance of drilling fluids by improving their viscosity, pH, and stability. Additionally, the invention provides a method for using the drilling fluid additives in drilling operations.

Problems solved by technology

Its moisture sensitivity, its incompatibility with oleophilic polymers, and the high energy consumption needed to produce, for example, NFC have so far prevented it from competing with other mass products such as ordinary paper or plastic.

Although the process may be simple, disadvantages include high energy consumption, damage to fibers and particles due to intense mechanical treatment, and a broad distribution in fibril diameter and length.

Such a technique reduces energy consumption compared to mechanical treatment and can produce more uniform particle sizes, but the process is not regarded as economically viable.

While nanocellulose has been generally recognized as a possible component in drilling and fracturing fluids, heretofore there has not been an economical process to provide nanocellulose, with adjustable properties for different types of fluids and additives.

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