Crosslinked Polymer Compositions for Subterranean Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subterranean formation treatment fluids face challenges in maintaining viscosity and preventing fluid loss at high temperatures, which can lead to inadequate suspension of solids and undesirable buildup of filter cakes, impacting hydrocarbon recovery.
Innovation Solution
The use of crosslinked polymers comprising sulfonic acid-containing monomers, N-vinyl amide-containing monomers, and crosslinkers with olefinic bonds, which provide viscosity and fluid loss control without the need for clay additives, even at high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clay additives are used to impart viscosity and fluid loss control, then the treatment fluid can maintain desired properties, but the complexity of the formulation increases and performance at high temperatures becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using crosslinked polymer structures with specific monomer compositions (sulfonic acid-containing monomers, N-vinyl amide-containing monomers, and terminal double bond-containing monomers) crosslinked with divalent metal ions. This chemical parameter change enables the fluid to maintain viscosity and fluid loss control at high temperatures without requiring complex clay additive formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer system by combining multiple types of monomers (sulfonic acid-containing, N-vinyl amide-containing, and terminal double bond-containing monomers) that are then crosslinked with divalent metal ions. This composite material approach provides both viscosity and fluid loss control in a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate clay additives and reducing formulation complexity.
2Productivity
If treatment fluid viscosity is reduced to improve flow, then fluid loss increases and solids suspension capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rheological parameters by using crosslinked polymers that provide shear-thinning behavior. The fluid maintains high viscosity at low shear rates to suspend solids and control fluid loss, but exhibits reduced viscosity at high shear rates during pumping and injection, improving flow efficiency and productivity without sacrificing fluid loss control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic viscosity system where the polymer structure adapts to shear conditions. The crosslinked polymer network breaks down under shear stress during high-flow operations, reducing resistance and improving productivity, then re-forms at rest to maintain viscosity for solids suspension and fluid loss control, enabling both high productivity and reliable fluid loss control.
3Productivity
If high concentrations of solids are suspended in treatment fluid, then drilling or stimulation effectiveness improves, but fluid loss into the formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the colloidal parameters by using crosslinked polymers that create a stable suspension system. The polymer structure interacts with suspended solids to prevent aggregation and settling, allowing high concentrations of solids to be maintained in suspension without increasing fluid loss into the formation, thereby improving drilling and stimulation effectiveness while controlling fluid loss.
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 crosslinked polymer compositions effectively maintain viscosity and prevent fluid loss, ensuring efficient suspension of solids and improved hydrocarbon recovery by stabilizing wellbores and preventing filter cake buildup.
Implementation Method 1
crosslinked polymers comprising sulfonic acid-containing monomers, N-vinyl amide-containing monomers, and crosslinkers with olefinic bonds
Implementation Method 2
the viscosity of a treatment fluid may contribute to the stability of a wellbore by increasing the pressure exerted by the treatment fluid onto the surface of the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 3
Each of these treatment fluids, as well as other such treatment fluids used during oil and gas operations, may be used as a carrier fluid and must possess sufficient viscosity to suspend and transport solids (e.g., particulates)
Data Source
AI summary
A crosslinked polymer comprising reactants of a first repeating unit, a second repeating unit, and a crosslinker that react to form the crosslinked polymer, wherein the first repeating unit is a sulfonic acid-containing monomer present from 50% to 99% by weight of the reactants, wherein the second repeating unit is selected from the group consisting of an N-vinyl amide-containing monomer, a terminal double bond-containing monomer, and any combination thereof, and is present from 1% to 50% by weight of the reactants, and wherein the crosslinker comprises at least two olefinic bonds, and is present in the range of about 9% to about 25% by weight of the reactants.