Clay-Based Cleanout Fluid Viscosity Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for wellbore cleanout, such as using drill bits and coiled tubing, are inefficient in removing debris like proppant and drill cuttings due to poor design and viscosity loss of cleaning fluids under high temperature and shear conditions, leading to incomplete removal and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A cleanout fluid comprising a carrier fluid and clay, with optional gelling agents and crosslinking agents, is introduced into the wellbore to maintain viscosity under high temperature and shear, utilizing the Bernoulli effect for effective debris entrainment and upward movement, and can be recycled to reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current high viscosity fluids are used for wellbore cleanout, then solids can be carried to the surface, but the fluids lose viscosity with temperature and high shear leading to poor solids entrainment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the cleaning fluid by incorporating polymers with specific molecular weights and concentrations (e.g., 0.1-5.0 pounds per 100 gallons of hydroxypropyl guar and carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar). These parameter changes enable the fluid to maintain stable viscosity under high temperature and shear conditions while effectively entraining solids.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite cleaning fluid system by combining multiple components: base fluid, polymers (hydroxypropyl guar and carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar), and optional additives. This composite formulation synergistically provides both high initial viscosity for solids pickup and thermal-shear stability for consistent performance throughout the cleaning operation.
2Productivity
If drill bit and sweep cycle method is used to remove debris, then some debris can be disturbed and entrained, but the method is expensive and has limited success due to poor drill bit design and ineffective debris entrainment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical drill bit system with a chemically-enhanced fluid system. Instead of relying on mechanical disruption by a drill bit followed by fluid entrainment, the invention uses a specially formulated high-viscosity fluid that directly picks up and transports solids through its rheological properties, eliminating the need for expensive drilling equipment and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by designing a fluid system where pressure-driven flow of high-viscosity cleaning fluid through the wellbore accomplishes solids removal. The fluid's rheological properties enable it to carry solids under various flow conditions, providing an effective hydraulic cleaning system that is simpler and less expensive than mechanical drilling methods.
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 stable viscosity of the cleanout fluid ensures effective debris removal and transport, even in high-temperature wells, with reduced dropout effect and increased efficiency, allowing for multiple reuse cycles without significant viscosity loss, thus improving wellbore cleanout operations.
Implementation Method 1
A method comprising: introducing a cleanout fluid into a wellbore wherein the cleanout fluid comprises a carrier fluid and a clay; and entraining solid particles in the cleanout fluid wherein the solid particles are disposed in the wellbore.
Data Source
AI summary
Coil tubing cleanout fluids comprising a clay are provided. A method may comprise introducing a cleanout fluid into a wellbore wherein the cleanout fluid comprises a carrier fluid and a clay; and entraining solid particles in the cleanout fluid wherein the solid particles are disposed in the wellbore.