Branched Block Copolymer Viscosifier for Sandstone EOR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods face challenges with polymer stability and retention in reservoirs, leading to formation damage and inefficient oil recovery due to the limitations of existing polymers, such as PHPA and xanthan gum, which are sensitive to temperature, salinity, and mechanical stress, resulting in reduced viscosity and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The development of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) branched block copolymers that are thermally and rheologically stable at high temperatures, reducing retention in rocks and providing enhanced viscosification and stability under saline conditions, allowing for improved oil recovery with reduced polymer loadings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional aqueous latex fluids with limited elastomer additive are used, then the cement can set properly, but the cured cement lacks self-healing capabilities and has insufficient elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the polymer from conventional ranges to ultra-high molecular weight (exceeding 1,000,000 g/mol), which fundamentally alters the polymer's properties to achieve both adequate setting and self-healing capability with reduced polymer loading
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining ultra-high molecular weight polymer with specific cement formulations, where the unique polymer-cement composite exhibits synergistic properties including self-healing, elasticity, and proper setting characteristics that neither component achieves alone
2Productivity
If existing polymers such as PHPA and xanthan gum are used in EOR, then oil recovery can be enhanced, but the polymers are sensitive to temperature, salinity, and mechanical stress resulting in reduced viscosity and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by increasing the molecular weight to ultra-high levels (exceeding 1,000,000 g/mol) and modifying polymer architecture to branched structures, which fundamentally changes the polymer's resistance to degradation under temperature, salinity, and mechanical stress conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of high molecular weight polymer chains with specific architectural features (branched structures) that provide localized resistance to degradation mechanisms, allowing the polymer to maintain viscosity and effectiveness in harsh reservoir conditions
3Productivity
If treatment materials are injected into hydrocarbon-producing regions, then enhanced oil recovery can be achieved, but the treatment materials flow out into other regions resulting in loss of treatment materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter to ultra-high levels, which increases the polymer's ability to be retained in the reservoir formation through enhanced adsorption and entanglement mechanisms, thereby reducing treatment material loss while maintaining EOR effectiveness
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 UHMW branched block copolymers maintain stable viscosity profiles at high shearing rates and temperatures, offering improved rheological properties and increased oil recovery efficiency while minimizing formation damage, even under extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a viscosifier comprising a branched block copolymer wherein the branched block copolymer is a crosslinked, polymerized reaction product of crosslinker C and monomer A and monomer B and monomer D; and increasing hydrocarbon production from the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A method of polymer flooding within a sandstone formation the method comprising: injecting a treatment fluid composition into a wellbore, the treatment fluid composition comprising: a base fluid, and a viscosifier comprising a branched block copolymer wherein the branched block copolymer is a crosslinked, polymerized reaction product of crosslinker C and monomer A and monomer B and monomer D; and increasing hydrocarbon production from the wellbore.