Chemical Solvent Removal of Cured Resin from Wellbores

Solution Overview

Problem

The presence of unconsolidated particulates in hydrocarbon wells leads to equipment abrasion and reduced production capabilities, with existing resin consolidation methods often resulting in excess resin curing in undesirable locations, causing permanent damage and difficulty in removal.

Innovation Solution

A method using chemical solvents to dissolve and remove cured resin and consolidated packs from subterranean formations, employing two-component epoxy resins or other suitable resins with solvents or heat to control viscosity, and organosilane coupling agents to facilitate bonding, allowing for easier handling and removal of resin from confined spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If excess resin composition is pumped to achieve high consolidation strength, then consolidation strength is improved, but resin cures in undesirable places causing blockage and permanent damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsolidation strengthVSAvoidresin blockage and permanent damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical removal methods (drill bits) with chemical dissolution methods. Chemical solvents are used to dissolve cured resin, allowing removal without mechanical force that cannot access confined spaces or equipment surfaces effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces chemical solvents as intermediaries between the cured resin and the removal process. These solvents act as mediators that chemically interact with the resin to break down the cured material, enabling removal from difficult-to-reach areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If mechanical methods are used to remove cured resin, then removal capability is improved, but confined spaces and equipment surfaces cannot be effectively cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresin removal capabilityVSAvoidaccess to confined spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical removal methods (drill bits) with chemical dissolution methods. Chemical solvents are used to dissolve cured resin, allowing removal without mechanical force that cannot access confined spaces or equipment surfaces effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses fluid (chemical solvent) injection and circulation systems to deliver the solvent to the cured resin. The fluid dynamics enable the solvent to reach confined spaces and flow over equipment surfaces, dissolving resin in locations inaccessible to mechanical tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If resin is cured to consolidate particulates, then formation permeability is improved, but excess resin blocks permeable channels reducing regain permeability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformation permeabilityVSAvoidpermeability reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical removal methods (drill bits) with chemical dissolution methods. Chemical solvents are used to dissolve cured resin, allowing removal without mechanical force that cannot access confined spaces or equipment surfaces effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical state of the resin from cured to dissolved by introducing chemical solvents. This parameter change allows the resin to transition from a solid, blocking state to a dissolved state that can be circulated and removed, restoring permeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances the ability to remove cured resin without damaging equipment, reduces the risk of resin accumulation in permeable channels, and restores flow paths in consolidated proppant packs, thereby maintaining formation permeability and preventing permanent damage.

Implementation Method 1

A method is disclosed comprising: introducing a chemical solvent into a wellbore penetrating a portion of a subterranean formation wherein a resin has been at least partially cured; contacting the resin with the chemical solvent to at least partially dissolve the resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

employing two-component epoxy resins or other suitable resins with solvents or heat to control viscosity, and organosilane coupling agents to facilitate bonding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10150906B2Degrading and removing cured resins from substrates

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Processes for chemically removing cured resin product from surfaces and subterranean formations in case of inappropriate consolidation, plugging of screens or tubing, and equipment damage. A chemical solvent is introduced to a wellbore where a resin has cured. The resin is contacted with the chemical solvent until the resin at least partially dissolves. At least a portion of the dissolved resin is then removed from the wellbore.