Solvent-Based Asphaltite Suspension Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asphaltite is extremely hydrophobic and difficult to disperse in water-based fluids, making it challenging to use as an effective additive in on-field applications, such as well-bore operations, and leading to issues with dust dispersion and potential toxic effects.
Innovation Solution
A solvent-based asphaltite suspension is developed, comprising a carrier fluid (glycols, polyglycols, or glycol ethers) and a suspending agent (a copolymer of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer with a carboxylic group and a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester), which stabilizes the asphaltite particles in the liquid phase, preventing settling and ensuring stability and pourability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If asphaltite is used in solid powder form for water-based applications, then it provides effective additive performance, but it causes dust dispersion with toxic effects and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of asphaltite from solid powder to liquid suspension form. By dissolving asphaltite in a water-soluble solvent to create a liquid composition, the invention eliminates dust generation during handling and application while maintaining the effective concentration of asphaltite for additive performance in water-based fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a water-soluble solvent as an intermediary carrier substance. This solvent mediates between the hydrophobic asphaltite and the aqueous environment, allowing asphaltite to be delivered in liquid form without direct contact with water that would cause precipitation, thereby eliminating dust issues while preserving functionality.
2Reliability
If asphaltite is dispersed in water-based fluids, then it provides effective additive performance, but it does not readily disperse due to extreme hydrophobicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a water-soluble solvent as an intermediary that is miscible with both water and capable of dissolving hydrophobic asphaltite. This intermediary solvent bridge allows asphaltite to be effectively delivered to water-based fluids without direct hydrophobic-hydrophilic contact, resolving the dispersion difficulty while maintaining additive performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delivery form parameter from direct solid-liquid dispersion to solution-based delivery. By pre-dissolving asphaltite in a water-soluble solvent to create a homogeneous liquid composition, the invention transforms the difficult dispersion process into a simple mixing operation, greatly easing manufacture while ensuring effective performance.
3Reliability
If asphaltite is used as fine powder, then it provides effective additive performance, but it requires complicated processing and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical form parameter from fine powder to liquid solution. This transformation simplifies processing by eliminating the need for dust control equipment, specialized handling procedures, and complex transportation infrastructure, while the asphaltite remains effectively concentrated for additive performance in water-based applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-soluble solvent acts as an intermediary carrier that consolidates asphaltite into a liquid formulation. This intermediary system simplifies processing and transportation by allowing standard liquid handling equipment and procedures to be used instead of specialized powder handling systems, reducing complexity while maintaining effective asphaltite delivery.
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 solvent-based asphaltite suspension achieves stable dispersion of asphaltite particles, maintaining stability even after storage for 7 days at 50°C, and is easily pourable, addressing the challenges of hydrophobicity and dust dispersion in water-based applications.
Implementation Method 1
a suspending agent, wherein said suspending agent is a copolymer obtained by polymerization of a monomer mixture comprising a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer containing a carboxylic group and a C1-C8 (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester
Implementation Method 2
said suspending agent is a copolymer obtained by polymerization of a monomer mixture comprising a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer containing a carboxylic group and a C1-C8 (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester
Data Source
AI summary
Solvent-based suspensions of asphaltite comprising a carrier fluid, an asphaltite powder and a suspending agent, wherein said suspending agent is a copolymer of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer containing a carboxylic group and of a C1-C8 (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester; subterranean treatment fluid containing the solvent-based suspensions of asphaltite and method for treating a subterranean formation by use of the subterranean treatment fluid.