Controlled-Release Scale Inhibitors for Wellbore Deposits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scale deposits, such as carbonates and sulfates, accumulate in hydrocarbon production environments, leading to blockages in pipelines and other equipment, necessitating effective scale inhibition methods.
Innovation Solution
The use of [bis[2-[bis(phosphonomethyl)amino]ethyl]amino]methylphosphonic acid metal salts, such as pentazinc, as scale inhibitors, which are introduced in controlled release particles that can be triggered by temperature and chemical exposure to inhibit scale formation in wellbores and subterranean formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scale inhibitors are continuously added to wellbore fluids, then scale formation is inhibited, but chemical consumption increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The scale inhibitor is pre-loaded into porous particles before injection, allowing the chemical to be delivered to the wellbore in a concentrated form and released only when needed, rather than requiring continuous addition of inhibitor to the entire fluid volume
Solution Approach 2:
The inhibitor is localized within porous particles that can be targeted to specific locations in the wellbore where scale formation is most problematic, rather than distributing chemical uniformly throughout the entire wellbore fluid
2Reliability
If scale inhibitors are added to wellbore fluids, then scale formation is reduced, but fluid composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scale inhibition function is segmented into discrete porous particles that can be independently controlled and released, rather than requiring complex continuous injection systems or multiple chemical components in the wellbore fluid
3Loss of substance
If controlled release particles are used to deliver scale inhibitors, then chemical delivery is improved, but particle deposition in wellbore may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The particles are designed with specific physical and chemical parameters including porous structure, surface properties, and size distribution that allow them to remain suspended in wellbore fluids and be delivered to target locations without premature deposition or clogging
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 controlled release particles effectively mitigate scale formation and corrosion in downhole tools by releasing the inhibitor at specific locations, enhancing fluid flow and reducing equipment blockages.
Implementation Method 1
heating the Compound I to a temperature of 150° F. or greater while in the wellbore and/or in the subterranean formation so as to release the Compound I from the particulates
Data Source
AI summary
[bis[2-[bis(phosphonomethyl)amino]ethyl]amino]methylphosphonic acid metal salt may be used as a scale inhibitor in wellbore applications. Said scale inhibitors and related methods may incorporate controlled release characteristics. For example, a scale inhibition method may include introducing [bis[2-[bis(phosphonomethyl)amino]ethyl]amino]methylphosphonic acid metal salt (e.g., as a particulate thereof or adsorbed in a porous particle) into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; heating the Compound I to a temperature of 150° F. or greater while in the wellbore and/or in the subterranean formation so as to release the Compound I; and inhibiting scale in a portion of the wellbore and/or the subterranean formation.