Core-Shell Particles for Subterranean Acid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for treating subterranean formations with chemical compositions, such as acids, face challenges like corrosion, premature reaction, and low efficiency due to the inability to control or modulate the concentration or reactivity of chemical components during transport to the target location.
Innovation Solution
The use of core-shell particles with a hydrophilic core and a hydrophobic shell, where the hydrophilic core includes a polymer with specific repeating units and a hydrophobic shell covering a significant surface area, allows for controlled release of payloads like acids in subterranean formations, preventing premature reaction and enhancing penetration and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pure acid is used for treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but corrosion and premature reaction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acid treatment system is segmented into two distinct components: a hydrophilic core containing the acid payload and a hydrophobic shell providing protection. This segmentation allows the acid to be delivered in a controlled manner, separating the treatment function from the harmful effects during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic shell acts as an intermediary between the acid payload and the external environment. It protects the acid from premature reaction while allowing controlled release at the target location, mediating between the need for effective treatment and the need to prevent corrosion.
2Speed
If chemical composition is exposed during transport, then delivery speed is improved, but control over concentration and reactivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The particle system transitions from a static exposed composition to a dynamic encapsulated structure. The hydrophobic shell provides a protective barrier that can be breached under specific conditions, enabling controlled release of the acid payload at the target location while maintaining stability during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical and chemical parameters of the acid payload are changed by encapsulation in the hydrophobic shell. This alters the concentration and reactivity parameters, preventing premature reaction while maintaining the ability to deliver the full payload when needed.
3Productivity
If acid is delivered without protection, then treatment efficiency is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful aspects of the acid (corrosion and premature reaction) are extracted and isolated from the treatment function by placing them in separate compartments within the core-shell structure. The acid payload remains protected until needed, preventing loss during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic shell serves as a flexible protective barrier that encloses the acid payload. This shell structure prevents acid loss through the environment while maintaining the integrity of the treatment composition until it reaches the target location.
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 provides a stable and controlled delivery of chemical payloads, reducing corrosion risks and increasing the effectiveness of treatments by allowing the payload to penetrate further into the formation, thereby enhancing production and reducing unwanted reactions with wellbore components.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic shell covering about 50% to about 100% of the surface area of the hydrophilic core
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophilic core including a polymer including repeating units
Data Source
AI summary
Core-shell particles for treatment of subterranean formations are provided. A method may include placing in the subterranean formation a composition including a core-shell particle including a hydrophilic core and a hydrophobic shell.