Curable Resin Clay Yield Point Wellbore Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current curable resin systems, such as epoxy resin systems, lack a yield point, making it difficult to suspend larger particulates for density control and effective placement in wellbore cementing applications, limiting the options for weighting agents.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an organophilically-modified clay into the curable resin composition to introduce a yield point, allowing for the suspension of larger particles and enhancing the rheological properties, thereby improving the suspension and placement of solids in subterranean formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If micron-sized particulate weighting agents are used, then suspension is improved, but particle size options are limited and density control is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the rheological parameters of the curable resin system by adding clay suspensions, which changes the yield point from zero to a positive value. This parameter change enables the system to suspend larger particulate weighting agents (up to 4.75 mm size) that would otherwise settle in Newtonian resin systems, thus expanding particle size options while maintaining suspension stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system by combining curable resin with clay suspensions (such as bentonite or attapulgite). This composite approach modifies the base resin's rheological properties, enabling it to function as a suspending medium for larger weighting agents while maintaining the curable resin's other desirable properties for wellbore applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger particulates are used for density control, then weighting agent options are expanded, but suspension becomes difficult and placement effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the rheological parameters of the resin system through clay addition, the patent creates a non-Newtonian fluid with yield point characteristics. This allows larger particulates (expanding weighting agent options) to remain suspended stably, resolving the contradiction between particle size versatility and suspension stability.
3Reliability
If curable resin systems are used, then chemical sealing capability is provided, but yield point is absent making solid suspension difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines curable resin with clay suspensions to create a composite system that exhibits both the chemical sealing properties of the curable resin and the yield point characteristics of the clay-modified rheology. This composite approach allows the system to maintain reliability for chemical sealing while gaining the ability to suspend solids effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified curable resin system achieves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides chemical sealing capability (from the curable resin), yield point for solid suspension (from the clay modification), and Newtonian flow characteristics during pumping (maintained from the base resin system). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between sealing reliability and yield point presence.
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 modified curable composition effectively suspends larger particles, providing enhanced options for weighting agents and maintaining rheological hierarchy during pumping, leading to better fluid displacement and chemical or hydraulic sealing in wellbore cementing operations.
Implementation Method 1
the clay can impart an initial shear stress or yield point (YP) to the curable resin composition to improve the suspension of solids
Implementation Method 2
maintaining rheological hierarchy during pumping, leading to better fluid displacement
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions including a curable resin and organophilically-modified clay for subterranean oil well applications and methods of using the same. A method of treating a subterranean formation including placing in a subterranean formation a curable composition that includes at least one of a curable organic resin and a thermosetting polymer. The curable composition also includes an organophilically-modified clay.