Subsurface Condensate Reduction via Exothermic Reactant Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reducing condensate in subsurface formations are time-consuming and do not result in permanent condensate removal, limiting hydrocarbon production rates.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a first reactant and a second reactant into the subsurface formation to produce an exothermic reaction, increasing temperature and pressure above the dew point, vaporizing condensate and creating microfractures that enhance permeability and reduce condensate banking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional techniques (gas injection, water-alternating gas, hydraulic fracturing, side-tracking) are used to reduce condensate, then condensate removal is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and does not result in permanent condensate removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters (temperature and pressure) of the subsurface formation by introducing reactive materials that undergo exothermic reactions. This raises the temperature and pressure above the dew point, fundamentally altering the phase behavior of condensate and enabling permanent removal through vaporization and microfracture creation, rather than temporary displacement via conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical methods (hydraulic fracturing, gas injection) with a chemical reaction-based system. The exothermic reaction between reactive materials generates the necessary temperature and pressure increases chemically, rather than mechanically, leading to more efficient and permanent condensate removal through vaporization and in-situ combustion effects.
2Productivity
If downhole pressure drops below dew point pressure, then hydrocarbon production occurs, but condensate forms and decreases production rate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of condensate formation into a beneficial process. By introducing reactive materials that undergo exothermic reactions, the generated heat and pressure permanently remove condensate through vaporization and microfracture creation. The condensate problem is transformed into an opportunity for enhanced hydrocarbon production through improved permeability and reduced condensate banking.
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 method achieves permanent condensate removal by increasing permeability and fluid mobility, leading to improved hydrocarbon production rates and reduced condensate banking.
Implementation Method 1
The first reactant and the second reactant produce an exothermic reaction that increases temperature and pressure in the subsurface formation to greater than a dew point of the condensate
Implementation Method 2
Increasing the temperature and pressure in the subsurface formation to greater than the dew point of the condensate vaporizes and thereby reduces condensate in the subsurface formation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing condensate in a subsurface formation is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a first reactant and a second reactant into the subsurface formation. The first reactant and the second reactant produce an exothermic reaction that increases temperature and pressure in the subsurface formation to greater than a dew point of the condensate. Increasing the temperature and pressure in the subsurface formation to greater than the dew point of the condensate vaporizes, and thereby reduces, condensate in the subsurface formation.