Anionic Polyacrylamide Composition for Fast Dissolution and Filterability
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Solution Overview
Problem
High molecular weight anionic polyacrylamides used in oil and gas recovery face issues with long dissolution times, sensitivity to radical degradation, and poor filterability, leading to inefficiencies and equipment requirements, particularly in unconventional reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble anionic polymer P2 is developed through polymerization of anionic monomers with a P1 homopolymer of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, containing impurities, which improves dissolution, reduces equipment needs, and enhances stability against radical degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high molecular weight anionic polyacrylamides are used for enhanced oil recovery, then viscosity and sweeping efficiency are improved, but dissolution time increases and equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-granulating the polymer with a granulation agent before use. This pre-treatment enables the polymer to dissolve rapidly when contacted with formation water during enhanced oil recovery operations, eliminating the need for extensive pre-dissolution equipment and time while maintaining the high molecular weight necessary for viscosity enhancement
2Reliability
If high molecular weight anionic polyacrylamides are used, then flocculation performance is improved, but filterability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state and surface properties of the polymer through granulation. By controlling particle size, density, and surface characteristics during granulation, the polymer maintains high molecular weight for effective flocculation while achieving rapid filtration through standard equipment
3Use of energy by moving object
If high molecular weight anionic polyacrylamides are used, then thickening effect is improved, but sensitivity to radical degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of radical degradation into a benefit by designing a granulated polymer structure that dissolves rapidly and uniformly. This controlled dissolution pattern allows the polymer to achieve its thickening effect quickly before radical degradation can significantly impact performance, effectively transforming the vulnerability to degradation into an advantage of rapid action
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional polymer dissolution methods are used, then complete dissolution is achieved, but equipment complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a granulated polymer that automatically dissolves completely upon contact with formation water in the reservoir. The granulation structure enables spontaneous and uniform dissolution without requiring external dissolution equipment, maturation tanks, or complex injection systems, thereby eliminating unnecessary equipment while ensuring complete dissolution
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 P2 polymer achieves rapid dissolution, improved filterability, and sustained performance, reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing the effectiveness of oil and gas recovery techniques.
Implementation Method 1
sensitivity to radical degradation, and poor filterability, which affect their effectiveness and require complex equipment and high dosages
Implementation Method 2
polymerization of anionic monomers in the presence of a homopolymer of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic in salified form
Implementation Method 3
The expected and proven benefits of using these polymers, through the 'viscosification' of the injected water, are improved sweeping and reduced viscosity contrast between fluids
Implementation Method 4
the flocculating character of these high molecular weight water-soluble synthetic polymers is used in the field of water treatment/sludge dehydration. Indeed, after an optional coagulation step where colloidal particles (assimilated to spheres smaller than 1 micrometer) of a given water are destabilized, flocculation represents the step where particles are gathered into high molecular weight aggregates to generate a rapid sedimentation
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a polymer composition comprising a water-soluble anionic P2 polymer obtained by radical polymerization of at least one anionic monomer, in the presence of a water-soluble homopolymer P1 with a weight-average molecular weight of between 5,000 and 100,000 daltonssaid water-soluble anionic P2 polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of greater than 100,000 dalton and less than or equal to 40 million daltons,said water-soluble P1 homopolymer having been prepared from 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid in salified form and in the presence of 200 to 20,000 ppm by weight of 2-methyl-2-propenylsulphonic acid in salified form.