Thermally Activated Acid Precursors for Scale Inhibitor Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Scale formation in oil and gas production wells and surface equipment is problematic due to incompatibility issues of scale inhibitors with brines, leading to formation damage, corrosivity concerns, and limited use in brine-based treatment fluids.
Innovation Solution
The use of a thermally activated acid precursor combined with a scale inhibitor in neutralized form, which converts to its acid form at elevated downhole temperatures, enhancing brine compatibility and adsorption characteristics while reducing corrosivity and improving placement within the producing formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scale inhibitors are formulated in acidic form to improve brine compatibility and adsorption characteristics, then brine compatibility and placement depth are improved, but corrosivity concerns and incompatibility with fracturing fluids worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form of the scale inhibitor from acidic to neutralized form, fundamentally altering its properties. The neutralized form eliminates corrosivity while maintaining brine compatibility through the addition of acid precursors that convert to active acid form under downhole conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acid precursors as intermediary substances that convert the neutralized scale inhibitor back to its active acid form under downhole conditions. This mediator enables the inhibitor to function effectively without being corrosive during surface handling and injection
2Duration of action of moving object
If scale inhibitors are used in acid form to achieve deeper placement in formation, then treatment life is extended, but rapid mineral dissolution near wellbore zones occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by neutralizing the scale inhibitor before injection to prevent harmful rapid mineral dissolution near the wellbore. The active acid form is then generated in situ at the target formation zone through acid precursor conversion, achieving deep placement without near-wellbore damage
Solution Approach 2:
The acid precursors serve as intermediaries that transport the active acid functionality to the target formation zone without causing harmful effects during surface operations or near-wellbore zones. The conversion to active form occurs selectively under downhole conditions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If scale inhibitors are formulated in neutralized form to reduce corrosivity, then corrosivity concerns are reduced, but brine compatibility and adsorption characteristics worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acid precursors as intermediaries that convert the neutralized scale inhibitor to its active acid form under downhole conditions. This enables the use of neutralized form during surface operations (reducing corrosivity) while maintaining effective brine compatibility and adsorption at the target formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by exploiting the temperature and pressure conditions downhole to trigger the conversion of acid precursors to active acid form. This enables the scale inhibitor to exhibit different properties at surface versus downhole conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves the compatibility and effectiveness of scale inhibitors with brines, allowing deeper placement and extended treatment life, reducing the need for frequent interventions and minimizing equipment corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
thermally activated acid precursor combined with a scale inhibitor in neutralized form, which converts to its acid form at elevated downhole temperatures
Implementation Method 2
the scale inhibitor enters the formation rock and adsorbs thereto. When the producing formation is put back into the production, the produced fluids are treated by the scale inhibitor as it slowly releases from the formation rock
Data Source
AI summary
A variety of methods, systems, and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, method of scale inhibition including: introducing a treatment fluid comprising a brine, a scale inhibitor in neutralized form, and a thermally activated acid precursor through a wellbore and into a producing formation; wherein the thermally activated acid precursor is heated to release an acid that enhances miscibility of the scale inhibitor in the brine.