One-Step Acidizing Fluid with Stabilizing Emulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subterranean formations treated with acidizing fluids often experience reduced production capacity due to premature plugging of acid-formed channels with unconsolidated particulates, such as formation fines and scale deposits, which lack cohesion and anchorage, leading to channel blockage.
Innovation Solution
A one-step acidizing treatment fluid comprising a formation stimulation agent and an aqueous-based surface modification agent (ASMA) within a stabilizing emulsion is introduced into the subterranean formation to etch channels and stabilize unconsolidated particulates by forming a hydrophobic film, preventing their invasion into the channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If acidizing treatment fluid is used to etch channels in subterranean formation, then formation permeability and hydrocarbon production are improved, but unconsolidated particulates invade the channels and plug them, reducing production capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aqueous-based surface modification agent (ASMA) as an intermediary substance that coats unconsolidated particulates. This ASMA acts as a mediator between the particulates and the acidizing treatment fluid, preventing the particulates from invading and plugging the etched channels while allowing the acidizing process to proceed effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the surface modification agent to unconsolidated particulates before they can invade the channels. By performing this stabilization action in advance (either through pre-mixed treatment fluid or sequential injection), the particulates are protected from causing channel plugging before the problem occurs.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If one-step acidizing treatment fluid with stabilizing emulsion is used, then channel conductivity is maintained long-term, but treatment fluid complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single treatment fluid system. The stabilizing emulsion integrates the surface modification agent, surfactant, and aqueous base fluid into one composition that can be injected simultaneously with or after the acidizing fluid, eliminating the need for separate stabilization treatment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing emulsion serves multiple functions: it stabilizes unconsolidated particulates through the surface modification agent, provides fluid compatibility through the surfactant, and maintains system effectiveness through its aqueous base fluid composition. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall treatment process while achieving long-term channel conductivity.
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
The solution effectively stabilizes unconsolidated particulates, maintaining channel conductivity and preventing plugging, thereby enhancing the long-term production capacity of the subterranean formation.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the formation stimulation agent with the subterranean formation so as to acidize the subterranean formation and create conductive channels therethrough
Implementation Method 2
The stabilizing emulsion is an aqueous external emulsion comprising a second aqueous base fluid, a surfactant, and an aqueous-based surface modification agent
Implementation Method 3
contacting the stabilizing emulsion with the subterranean formation so as to release the aqueous-based surface modification agent and stabilize unconsolidated formation particulates therein
Data Source
AI summary
Methods treating a subterranean formation including providing a one-step acidizing treatment fluid comprising a first aqueous base fluid, a formation stimulation agent, and a stabilizing emulsion, wherein the stabilizing emulsion is an aqueous external emulsion comprising a second aqueous base fluid, a surfactant, and an aqueous-based surface modification agent; introducing the one-step acidizing treatment fluid into the subterranean formation; contacting the formation stimulation agent with the subterranean formation so as to acidize the subterranean formation and create conductive channels therethrough; and contacting the stabilizing emulsion with the subterranean formation so as to release the aqueous-based surface modification agent and stabilize unconsolidated formation particulates therein.