Composite Diverting Particulates for Wellbore Fluid Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In subterranean formations, achieving uniform distribution of treatment fluids is challenging due to varying permeability and fluid flow resistance, leading to preferential treatment of low-resistance areas over high-resistance areas, which can result in inadequate treatment of more resistant zones.

Innovation Solution

The use of composite diverting particulates, comprising degradable polymers and oil-soluble materials, is introduced to selectively block treatment fluid flow in high-permeability areas, allowing diversion to low-permeability zones, with improved dissolution kinetics and reduced costs at lower temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If treatment fluid is injected into subterranean formation, then low-permeability zones can be treated, but uniform distribution of treatment fluid is difficult to achieve due to preferential flow into high-permeability areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of treatment fluid distributionVSAvoidability to treat zones with varying permeability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using diverting particulates with specific properties (size, density, solubility) that selectively interact with different permeability zones. The particulates preferentially accumulate in high-permeability areas to create local diversion barriers, while allowing treatment fluid to reach low-permeability zones, thus achieving uniform distribution across heterogeneous formation properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The diverting particulates act as intermediaries between the treatment fluid and the formation zones. These particulates are injected with the treatment fluid and automatically position themselves in high-permeability pathways, serving as temporary barriers that redirect fluid flow to underserved low-permeability areas, thereby mediating the distribution process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If degradable polymers are introduced to bridge fractures and provide diversion, then treatment fluid can be diverted to target zones, but the polymers must be removed after treatment to ensure maximum flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediversion capabilityVSAvoidremoval of degradable polymers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs diverting particulates that are designed to be temporary and easily removable, analogous to disposable objects. These particulates perform their diversion function during treatment and then dissolve or break down completely, leaving no residue that would impede production flow, thereby eliminating the need for complex removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The diverting particulates undergo parameter changes (dissolution, degradation) after completing their diversion function. Their physical and chemical properties change over time, transitioning from intact particulates that block flow to dissolved products that do not impede flow, thereby automatically eliminating themselves after treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional diverting particulates are used, then diversion can be achieved, but dissolution kinetics are slow and costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedissolution rateVSAvoidcost of diverting particulates

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite diverting particulates composed of multiple materials with complementary properties. The composite structure combines fast-dissolving components with diversion-effective components, achieving both rapid dissolution kinetics and effective diversion functionality while reducing overall material costs through optimized composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies parameters of the diverting particulates, specifically enhancing dissolution kinetics through material selection and particle engineering. By changing parameters such as particle size distribution, material composition, and surface properties, the particulates dissolve faster and more completely, improving productivity while reducing the quantity needed and thus costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures more uniform treatment fluid distribution by forming barriers in high-permeability areas, enhancing the treatment of low-permeability zones while being easily removable to maintain production efficiency and minimize formation damage.

Implementation Method 1

improved dissolution kinetics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Implementation Method 2

comprising degradable polymers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDegradation:

Data Source

PatentUS11578252B2Composite diverting particulates

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Methods and compositions for introducing a treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation wherein the treatment fluid comprises: a base fluid; and composite diverting particulates, wherein the composite diverting particulates each comprise a degradable polymer and an oil-soluble material, wherein the composite diverting particulate at least partially plugs a zone in the subterranean formation; and diverting at least a portion of the treatment fluid and/or a subsequently introduced fluid away from the zone.