Cross-linked Microfibrillated Cellulose Viscosifier for Oil Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current viscosifiers like guar gum in oil well fluids face supply shortages, temperature limitations, and formation damage issues, necessitating an alternative that does not leave residues and can withstand thermal and contamination challenges.
Innovation Solution
Cross-linked micro- or nano-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) is used as a viscosifier, which can be physically or chemically cross-linked using agents like aluminum sulfate, zirconium chloride, or formaldehyde to enhance its properties for use in oil well fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If guar gum is used as a viscosifier in oil well fluids, then viscosity is improved, but supply availability deteriorates and formation damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing guar gum with carboxymethylated microfibrillated cellulose (CM-MFC), which has different molecular structure and charge characteristics. This substitution maintains viscosity functionality while eliminating supply constraints and formation damage issues associated with guar gum
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material system consisting of CM-MFC crosslinked with divalent metal ions (such as calcium or zinc). This composite structure combines the viscosifying properties of cellulose derivatives with the crosslinking enhancement from metal ions, achieving superior thermal stability and contamination resistance compared to conventional viscosifiers
2Stability of the object's composition
If guar gum is used as a viscosifier, then viscosity is improved, but thermal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters by introducing carboxymethyl groups and crosslinking structures that are thermally more stable than guar gum. The CM-MFC metal crosslinked gels maintain their viscosity-enhancing properties at high temperatures where conventional guar gum degrades
Solution Approach 2:
The crosslinked gel composite structure provides thermal stability through the formation of a three-dimensional network that resists thermal degradation. The metal ion crosslinks create strong bonds that maintain structural integrity at elevated temperatures, preventing viscosity loss
3Stability of the object's composition
If guar gum is used as a viscosifier, then viscosity is improved, but contamination resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface chemistry parameters by introducing carboxymethyl groups and metal crosslinking that create a more resistant structure. This modified chemical composition provides enhanced resistance to contamination from wellbore conditions, scale, and other harmful substances
4Stability of the object's composition
If guar gum is used as a viscosifier, then viscosity is improved, but formation damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition by replacing guar gum with CM-MFC, which does not leave harmful residues in the formation. The cellulose-based material is more biodegradable and less likely to cause formation damage, while still providing the necessary viscosity enhancement
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 reduces polymer usage, minimizes formation damage, simplifies cleanup, and improves thermal stability and contamination resistance of the viscosifier, ensuring successful job performance in oil well applications.
Implementation Method 1
Cross-linked micro- or nano-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) is used as a viscosifier, which can be physically or chemically cross-linked using agents like aluminum sulfate, zirconium chloride, or formaldehyde to enhance its properties
Implementation Method 2
Cross-linked micro- or nano-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) is used as a viscosifier
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a viscosifter for oil well fluids, said viscosifier comprising a cross-linked micro- or nano-fibrillated cellulose (MFC).