Crosslinked Polymer Inhibitors for Progressive Release in Oil Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inhibiting the formation of inorganic and organic deposits in oil extraction operations, such as scale inhibitors, have limitations in providing long-term protection and controlled release, leading to frequent renewal needs and productivity losses due to well shutdowns during squeeze operations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving crosslinked polymer chains with hydrophobic lateral groups ensuring hydrophobic-hydrophobic physical crosslinking, produced through micellar radical polymerization, allowing for a progressive release of inhibitors over an extended period, suitable for use in oil extraction environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If crosslinked polymer materials with hydrolyzable crosslinking bridges are used for gradual release, then the release duration is extended, but the rate and intensity of release become difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of crosslinking mechanism from chemical (hydrolyzable bridges) to physical (hydrophobic interactions). By adjusting hydrophobic group density and micelle composition, the release rate can be precisely controlled while maintaining extended duration, resolving the contradiction between duration extension and rate control precision
2Reliability
If inhibitors are placed under pressure in the underground formation during squeeze operations, then long-term protection is achieved, but frequent renewal is still required and productivity is reduced due to well shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer chains are pre-loaded into micellar structures during synthesis, creating a reservoir of inhibitor molecules ready for controlled release. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated squeeze operations, maintaining protection effectiveness while eliminating productivity losses from well shutdowns
Solution Approach 2:
The physical crosslinking mechanism enables continuous, progressive release of inhibitor chains over extended periods. This continuous action maintains reliable protection without interruption, eliminating the cyclical shutdowns required for inhibitor renewal and thus maintaining well productivity
3Duration of action of stationary object
If polymer chains with hydrophobic side groups are used for physical crosslinking, then progressive release over several years is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite micellar structures combining hydrophilic polymer chains with hydrophobic side groups and crosslinking agents. This composite approach achieves multi-year release duration through a single integrated material system rather than complex multi-component delivery systems, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for ensuring a progressive salting-out of polymer chains in a liquid medium, said method comprising bringing said liquid medium into contact with specific solid objects formed by polymer chains which are soluble in the medium and carry hydrophobic side groups ensuring physical cross-linking between said polymer chains within said solid objects. The salted-out chains can particularly be used as inhibitors inhibiting the formation of inorganic or organic deposits (scale inhibitors) in a liquid medium, typically in the field of oil extraction.