Cross-Linked Scale Inhibitor Particles for Controlled Release
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing scale build-up in oil wells, such as using cross-linked scale inhibitor gels or nanoparticles, often lead to formation damage and rapid depletion of scale inhibitors, necessitating frequent well shut-downs for treatment, which is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Development of cross-linked scale control agent particles with a high load of scale control agent, sized between 50 microns to 4000 microns, impregnated into sand, proppant, or porous inorganic materials, providing controlled release and prolonged effectiveness during frac operations and reducing the frequency of well shut-downs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If cross-linked scale inhibitor gels or nanoparticles are used to lengthen the effective life of the treatment, then the duration of action is improved, but the formation damage occurs and permeability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous ceramic beads as a carrier matrix to hold scale inhibitor particles. The porous structure allows the scale inhibitor to be contained within the beads while still permitting fluid flow through the formation, thus extending treatment life without causing formation damage. The porous material provides a scaffold that maintains permeability while delivering the active ingredient over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining ceramic beads (porous inorganic material) with cross-linked scale inhibitor particles. This composite material integrates the benefits of both components: the ceramic provides structural integrity and controlled release, while the cross-linked scale inhibitor provides sustained scale protection. The composite approach allows the scale inhibitor to be delivered without the harmful effects of gels or free nanoparticles.
2Productivity
If standard high crush-resistant proppant particles impregnated with scale inhibitor are used, then the productivity is improved, but the scale inhibitor is released much faster especially at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the scale inhibitor delivery system by using cross-linked particles with specific size ranges (1-10 micrometers) and cross-linking densities. These parameter changes make the scale inhibitor less soluble and more resistant to rapid release at high temperatures. The cross-linking creates a three-dimensional network that controls the release rate, extending the duration of action while maintaining productivity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If polymeric particles with covalently bound well treatment chemicals are used, then the controlled release is achieved, but the particles do not comprise functional cross-linked scale control agent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scale inhibitor into discrete cross-linked particles that are then impregnated into the porous ceramic beads. This segmentation allows the scale inhibitor to exist as separate functional units with controlled release properties. The cross-linked particles maintain their structural integrity and functionality while being distributed throughout the proppant bed, ensuring reliable scale control throughout the formation.
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 cross-linked scale control agent particles effectively reduce scale build-up and organic-based crystalline build-up, allowing oil wells to operate for extended periods without frequent shut-downs, enhancing productivity and reducing maintenance costs by providing a controlled and sustained release of the scale control agent.
Implementation Method 1
controlled release scale control agent particles
Implementation Method 2
cross-linked scale control agent particles... providing controlled release and prolonged effectiveness
Implementation Method 3
a cross-linked scale control agent particle comprising a scale control agent and a cross-linker, wherein the scale control agent is cross-linked by the cross-linker
Implementation Method 4
having the cross-linked scale control agent particle impregnated into said porous insoluble inorganic material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to mixture comprising a cross-linked scale control agent particle and a porous insoluble material. The scale control agent is cross-linked by a crosslinker. The present invention is further directed to mixtures comprising more than one cross-linked active agents; the active agent may be a combination of a scale control agent and an organic-based crystalline inhibitor. The present invention is also directed to a method for producing the particles according to the present invention and methods for performing a mechanical fracturing operation.