Concentrated Borate Crosslinking Solutions for Hydraulic Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduced solubility of borax or boric acid in fracturing fluids limits their effectiveness in providing instantaneous crosslinking reactions for subterranean well treatment, necessitating the development of more concentrated and cost-effective boron-containing solutions for hydraulic fracturing operations.
Innovation Solution
A stable, concentrated crosslinking agent composition comprising a refined borate, such as disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, and a freeze-point depressant like 1,3-propanediol is used to enhance the solubility and effectiveness of boron-containing solutions for instantaneous crosslinking in well treatment fluids, allowing for broader temperature ranges and improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If borax or boric acid is used as the source of borate ions for crosslinking, then instantaneous crosslinking is achieved, but solubility in fracturing fluids is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using refined borate materials with controlled particle size distribution and purity levels. It also adjusts the pH range (7.5-9.5) and temperature conditions to optimize both solubility and crosslinking effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between instantaneous crosslinking and solubility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining refined borate materials with specific guar polymer derivatives in a controlled aqueous environment. This composite approach allows the borate to maintain high solubility while preserving its instantaneous crosslinking capability with the polymer, overcoming the limitation of using pure borax or boric acid
2Ease of manufacture
If concentrated boron-containing solutions are used, then cost effectiveness is improved, but solubility limitations persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes concentration parameters by formulating borate solutions at specific gravity ranges (1.05-1.20) and controlling boron content (3-15%). These parameter changes enable concentrated, cost-effective solutions that overcome traditional solubility limitations while maintaining handling and application feasibility
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 provides a stable and highly soluble boron-containing crosslinking agent that enables instantaneous or near-instantaneous crosslinking of well treatment fluids, enhancing their viscosity and effectiveness in hydraulic fracturing applications across a range of temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a freeze-point depressant which is 1,3-propanediol, allowing for the use of the crosslinking compositions over a broad range of operating temperatures
Implementation Method 2
dissolved borax or boric acid will generate an essentially instantaneous crosslink which is desirable for certain fracturing applications
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are treating fluid compositions for use in subterranean hydraulic fracturing operations, wherein the fluid compositions contain a liquid, a crosslinkable organic polymer that is soluble in the liquid, and a concentrated borate solution containing a refined, readily-soluble borate, the borate solution being present as a crosslinking agent to crosslink the organic polymer and increase the viscosity of the composition. The compositions may further include one or more freeze-point depressants, thereby increasing the stability of the compositions over a wide range of environmental temperatures.