Borohydride Fracking Fluid Hydrolysis for Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracking methods face limitations in pressure excursion due to gases like carbon dioxide and propane liquefying at elevated pressures, and nitrogen requires rapid pumping, making these systems difficult to manage effectively for enhanced hydrocarbon extraction from geological formations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the injection of an aqueous solution or slurry containing borohydrides, such as sodium borohydride, into geological formations to generate hydrogen gas through hydrolysis, which builds pressure and increases permeability, potentially reducing water consumption and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If carbon dioxide or propane is used as fracking gas, then pressure can be generated to force formation expansion, but the gas liquefies at elevated pressures limiting pressure excursion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the fracking fluid by using borohydride compounds that generate hydrogen gas through hydrolysis, rather than relying on compressed gases like CO2 or propane. This chemical parameter change allows maintaining gaseous state and pressure generation capability without liquefaction limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system (pumping compressed gases) with a chemical system (borohydride hydrolysis). The hydrogen gas is generated in-situ through chemical reaction, eliminating the need for high-pressure gas storage and injection equipment while avoiding gas liquefaction issues.
2Stress or pressure
If nitrogen is used as fracking gas, then pressure can be generated, but it must be pumped very quickly making the system difficult to work
Solution Approach 1:
The borohydride-containing fluid generates its own hydrogen gas through hydrolysis reactions that occur after injection into the formation. This self-generating mechanism eliminates the need for continuous high-speed pumping, as the pressure is maintained by ongoing chemical reactions rather than external pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The borohydride is pre-loaded into the formation with the fracking fluid, and the hydrolysis reaction is initiated or accelerated after injection. This preliminary placement allows the pressure-generating reaction to occur in-situ, removing the operational complexity of rapid pumping required for nitrogen systems.
3Productivity
If hydraulic fracking with water and proppants is used, then cracks can be formed and propped open, but substantial water consumption occurs with environmental concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the composition parameter of the fracking fluid by replacing water-based systems with borohydride-containing solutions or slurries. This chemical composition change enables in-situ hydrogen generation while reducing water consumption and associated environmental issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the water-based hydraulic system with a chemical system where borohydride hydrolysis generates hydrogen gas. This substitution reduces water consumption while maintaining the pressure generation and crack formation capabilities needed for effective fracking.
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
This approach enhances the permeability of geological formations, allowing for more efficient extraction of hydrocarbons while potentially reducing water usage and improving environmental sustainability compared to traditional fracking methods.
Implementation Method 1
hydrolyzing the at least one borohydride in the geological formation to liberate hydrogen gas
Data Source
AI summary
A method for increasing the permeability of a geologic formation by fracturing includes the step of pumping a solution of a borohydride into a well bore. The solution may also include a basic material such as sodium hydroxide. This step may be followed by pumping a second acidic solution into the well bore.