Antimicrobial Compounds for Oilfield Microbial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antimicrobial compounds like glutaraldehyde used in oil and gas operations are susceptible to degradation at elevated temperatures and inactivated by common oilfield chemicals, leading to microbial fouling and contamination.
Innovation Solution
Development of compounds of formula I, which are more stable at elevated temperatures and resistant to deactivation by reducing or oxidizing agents and amines, allowing extended control of microorganisms in aqueous systems, including those in oil and gas operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glutaraldehyde is used to control microorganisms in aqueous systems, then microbial growth is inhibited, but the compound degrades at elevated temperatures and is inactivated by common oilfield chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of glutaraldehyde by introducing cyclic structures and substituents (changing molecular parameters) to create compounds of formula I that are more resistant to thermal degradation and chemical inactivation while retaining antimicrobial activity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite molecular structures by combining glutaraldehyde core with cyclic moieties and various substituents, forming hybrid compounds that exhibit both the desired antimicrobial properties and enhanced stability against temperature and chemical degradation
2Reliability
If glutaraldehyde is used in oil and gas operations, then microbial fouling is controlled, but the compound degrades over time leaving infrastructure susceptible to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent alters the temporal stability parameters of glutaraldehyde by modifying its molecular structure into cyclic compounds of formula I, which resist degradation at elevated temperatures and maintain antimicrobial activity for extended periods in oil and gas environments
3Reliability
If glutaraldehyde is exposed to reducing or oxidizing agents and amines, then it is inactivated, but these chemicals are commonly present in oilfield systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates chemically resilient hybrid molecules by integrating glutaraldehyde with cyclic structures and protective substituents, forming compounds that maintain antimicrobial functionality even in the presence of reducing agents, oxidizing agents, and amines commonly found in oilfield operations
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are compounds which are useful for controlling microorganisms in aqueous or water-containing systems or in systems which are exposed to moisture, including at elevated temperature. The antimicrobial compounds are of the formula I:wherein n, R1, R2, R3, and X are as defined herein.