Branched Polyolefin Viscosification of Supercritical CO2
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in carbon dioxide sequestration and hydrocarbon recovery lies in the low viscosity of supercritical carbon dioxide, which limits its mobility and effectiveness in reservoirs, leading to inefficient storage and production due to unfavorable mobility and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a branched polyolefin polymer into the carbon dioxide composition to increase its viscosity, enhancing the mobility and storage capacity of carbon dioxide in underground formations for sequestration and improving hydrocarbon recovery by using the viscosified carbon dioxide as a fracturing fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supercritical carbon dioxide is injected into underground formations for sequestration and hydrocarbon recovery, then carbon dioxide storage and hydrocarbon production are achieved, but the low viscosity of supercritical carbon dioxide causes unfavorable mobility, viscous fingering, channeling, and early breakthrough, reducing storage capacity and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of carbon dioxide by transitioning it from a supercritical state to a liquid state through pressure reduction and temperature control. This phase change fundamentally alters the mobility characteristics and viscosity of carbon dioxide, enabling it to effectively displace hydrocarbons while maintaining controllable flow behavior in the formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining carbon dioxide with formation fluids (oil, water, gas) to form a multi-phase fluid system. This composite approach allows the carbon dioxide to interact with formation components, enhancing displacement efficiency and mobility control through phase interactions and solubility effects
2Productivity
If supercritical carbon dioxide is used for hydrocarbon displacement, then hydrocarbon recovery is improved, but the low viscosity limits the ability to sweep oil to the producing well, reducing production effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pressure and temperature parameter changes to control the phase state of carbon dioxide. By maintaining carbon dioxide in a liquid phase through specific P-T conditions, the system achieves optimal viscosity for sweeping oil through the formation, enhancing hydrocarbon recovery while maintaining flow control
3Quantity of substance
If continuous supercritical carbon dioxide injection is performed, then carbon dioxide is injected into the formation, but unfavorable mobility causes non-uniform distribution and negative effects on storage capacity utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of carbon dioxide from supercritical to liquid phase, which fundamentally alters its flow and distribution characteristics. This phase change enables more uniform distribution of carbon dioxide throughout the formation by reducing viscous fingering and channeling effects associated with supercritical state injection
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 increased viscosity of carbon dioxide composition improves its mobility and storage capacity, reducing leakage and enhancing hydrocarbon recovery rates while providing a more efficient and environmentally friendly method for carbon sequestration and hydrocarbon production.
Implementation Method 1
Carbon dioxide viscosification by polyolefins
Data Source
AI summary
A composition including a major amount of carbon dioxide and at least one branched polyolefin polymer is described, as well as methods of making and using the composition, such as in increasing the viscosity of carbon dioxide for use in carbon sequestration and/or enhanced oil recovery.