Acid-Sensitive Emulsifier for Subterranean Wellbore Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional invert emulsion drilling fluids are difficult to break and remove from wellbores, requiring substantial cleaning and storage, which complicates subsequent cementing and completion operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of an invert emulsion fluid system comprising an oleaginous fluid, a non-oleaginous fluid, and an amine surfactant emulsifier, which can be broken by an acid treatment, allowing for efficient removal and reducing storage needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional invert emulsion drilling fluids are used, then hole stability and lubrication properties are improved, but the fluids become difficult to break and remove from wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition parameters of the emulsion system. Specifically, it uses a distinct internal phase composition (water, alcohol, surfactant) different from conventional formulations, and controls the emulsifier concentration at 0.1-10% by weight. These parameter changes enable the emulsion to maintain stability during drilling while becoming easily breakable upon contact with formation water or acid treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by creating an invert emulsion system with multiple integrated components: oleaginous external phase, distinct internal phase (water-alcohol-surfactant), and emulsifier. This composite structure provides both the desired hole stability and lubrication properties while incorporating inherent breakability through the specific interaction between the internal phase surfactants and formation water or acid.
2Reliability
If conventional invert emulsion drilling fluids are used, then lubrication properties are improved, but substantial cleaning and storage are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing an emulsion system that automatically breaks and removes itself through natural interactions with formation water or acid treatments. The distinct internal phase composition causes the emulsion to self-demulsify upon contact with formation water, eliminating the need for complex mechanical cleaning equipment and extensive storage facilities. The system essentially cleans itself through the chemical interaction with the formation environment.
3Reliability
If conventional invert emulsion drilling fluids are used, then hole stability is improved, but additional cleaning treatments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the emulsion with a distinct internal phase composition that is specifically designed to be incompatible with formation water and acid. This preliminary design ensures that when the drilling fluid contacts formation water or undergoes acid treatment, the emulsion automatically breaks without requiring additional cleaning agents or extended treatment processes. The breakability is built into the formulation from the outset.
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 enables cleaner wellbores with reduced additional cleaning treatments, facilitates 'flow to host' applications, and recovers trapped components, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an amine surfactant emulsifier
Implementation Method 2
contacting at least a portion of the treatment fluid with the acid or acid source; and breaking the invert emulsion
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for using an invert emulsion fluid that is beneficial in the drilling, completing and working over of subterranean wells are provided. In some embodiments, the method includes: preparing a treatment fluid including an invert emulsion, wherein the invert emulsion further includes an aqueous dispersed phase, an oleaginous continuous phase, and an amine surfactant emulsifier and placing the treatment fluid in a wellbore penetrating at least portion of a subterranean formation.