Acidizing Fluid Composition for Deep Carbonate Flowpaths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing matrix acidizing compositions using hydrochloric acid (HCl) struggle to create deep and branching conductive pathways in carbonate formations, leading to limited effectiveness and increased friction in tubing, which prevents the use of coiled tubing and higher flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A matrix acidizing composition comprising a hydrophobically modified polymer, phosphorylated alkyl amino polycarboxylic acid, and a base treatment acid is used, which does not require emulsion breakers and has low viscosity, allowing its use with coiled tubing, and forms deep, branching flowpaths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If carbonate emulsion acid is used to provide controlled dissolution, then dissolution control is improved, but friction in tubing increases and emulsion breakers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the acid composition by using a non-emulsion formulation with specific viscosity modifiers and surfactants, achieving both controlled dissolution and reduced friction without requiring emulsion breakers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surfactants and viscosity modifiers as intermediary substances that mediate between the acid and the formation, providing controlled dissolution while maintaining low friction characteristics for tubing compatibility
2Speed
If plain HCl is used to dissolve carbonate rock, then dissolution rate is improved, but penetration depth is limited and wormhole formation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic dissolution process where the acid composition adapts its behavior during treatment, transitioning from rapid initial dissolution to sustained deep penetration through controlled viscosity and surfactant action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite acid composition combining HCl with surfactants and viscosity modifiers, creating a multi-functional fluid that provides both rapid dissolution and deep penetration capabilities
3Reliability
If polymer concentration is increased to improve fluid performance, then acidizing effectiveness is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the polymer concentration parameter to achieve maximum acidizing performance at lower concentrations through improved polymer architecture and composition that enhances fluid performance per unit concentration
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 composition achieves improved acidizing performance by enhancing pore volume to breakthrough, reducing costs through lower polymer concentrations, and enabling use with coiled tubing without the need for equipment modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobically modified polymer
Implementation Method 2
phosphorylated alkyl amino polycarboxylic acid
Implementation Method 3
use acid present in respective matrix acidizing and acid fracturing fluids to dissolve rock
Implementation Method 4
acid fracturing relies on the heterogeneity of the rock leading to differential dissolution
Data Source
AI summary
A method of stimulating a subterranean carbonate formation includes delivering a composition comprising a hydrophobically modified polymer, a phosphorylated alkyl amino polycarboxylic acid, and a base treatment acid into the subterranean formation; and contacting the subterranean carbonate formation with the composition to form conductive flowpaths in the subterranean carbonate formation. The method may further include producing hydrocarbons from the subterranean carbonate formation. A composition for stimulating a subterranean formation includes a hydrophobically modified polymer; a phosphorylated alkyl amino polycarboxylic acid; and a base treatment acid.