Composite Diversion Particles for Fast Dissolution and Proppant Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diversion materials used in hydraulic fracturing operations are slow to dissolve or degrade, leading to displacement of proppant from near well-bore regions, resulting in undesirable fracture closure and inadequate proppant concentration.
Innovation Solution
A composite diversion material comprising a non-degradable component surrounded by a degradable component, designed to maintain proppant concentration by allowing the degradable component to dissolve or degrade quickly, minimizing fracture closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing diversion materials (ball sealers) are used, then they can block fractures and perforations to focus fluid pressure, but they are slow to dissolve or degrade and may require being flowed back out of the well
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of a degradable polymer matrix (such as polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, or starch) combined with non-degradable proppant particles. This composite structure allows the diversion material to maintain its blocking capability while enabling controlled degradation through the soluble polymer component, resolving the contradiction between reliable blocking and dissolution time.
2Reliability
If diversion materials are placed in fractures, then they can stop or reduce fluid flow, but they displace proppant from the near well-bore region resulting in undesirable fracture closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a differentiated structure where the degradable polymer matrix is concentrated in the near well-bore region while the non-degradable proppant particles are distributed throughout the fracture. This allows the polymer to provide localized flow control near the wellbore without displacing proppant, as the proppant remains anchored in its original positions while the polymer degrades in place.
3Stress or pressure
If diversion materials are used to block fractures, then fluid pressure can be focused on less permeable regions, but the near well-bore region can be left devoid of suitable amounts of proppant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diversion material into two functional components: the degradable polymer matrix that provides temporary flow control and pressure focus, and the non-degradable proppant particles that provide permanent fracture support. This segmentation allows the polymer to perform the temporary pressure-focusing function while the proppant particles maintain their positions to prevent fracture closure, resolving the contradiction between pressure focus and proppant retention.
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 composite diversion material effectively maintains proppant concentration and reduces fracture closure, ensuring optimal fracture conductivity and proppant distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The function of the diversion materials can be as a blocking agent that stops or reduces fluid flow through casing perforations and/or their adjacent fractures so that fluid pressure in a hydraulic fracturing operation can be focused on less permeable regions of the subterranean formation. The diversion materials are adapted to dissolve or degrade over time
Implementation Method 2
The method includes drying the mixture at a temperature of from about 25° C. to about 200° C. to provide the composite diversion material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to material for use in oil and gas well completion activities. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to diversion particles, along with methods for making and using the diversion particles. In an embodiment, a composite diversion material includes a non-degradable component comprising two or more non-degradable particulates, wherein the non-degradable particulates have a long term permeability at 7,500 psi of at least about 20 D. The composite diversion material includes a degradable component surrounding at least a portion of the non-degradable component. In another embodiment, a method of making a composite diversion material includes mixing non-degradable proppant particles with an aqueous solution containing a first degradable material to provide a mixture having a proppant concentration of at least about 20 volume percent. The method includes drying the mixture at a temperature of from about 25° C. to about 200° C. to provide the composite diversion material.