Cyclic Orthoester Acidizing Fluids for Extended Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The acidizing process in oil and gas production is limited by the consumption of acidizing fluids, which prevents them from effectively increasing the permeability of limestone formations, particularly in the near-wellbore/near-fracture zone, where spent acid cannot enhance the flow capacity of extended fractures.
Innovation Solution
A treatment solution containing cyclic orthoesters and brine is introduced into the downhole environment, where the cyclic orthoesters are hydrolyzed to generate organic acids, which then dissolve plugs, filter cakes, and carbonate surfaces, improving production by increasing the permeability of the formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If strong mineral acids are used to fracture limestone reservoirs, then the acid-etching capability is improved, but the fluid is spent quickly and cannot improve permeability in the near-wellbore/near-fracture zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a precursor compound that is pumped into the formation before the actual acidizing treatment. This precursor is then activated in-situ to generate acid locally, allowing the acid to be present in the near-wellbore zone before the main acidizing fluid arrives, thereby extending the effective duration and range of the acidizing treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a precursor compound as an intermediary substance that is pumped into the formation. This precursor acts as a mediator that converts to active acid in-situ, allowing the acidizing effect to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible to direct acid injection, thereby extending the duration and spatial coverage of the treatment.
2Length of moving object
If acidizing fluid is pumped further into the formation after spending, then new fractures are created, but the flow capacity of extended fractures is not improved
Solution Approach 1:
The precursor compound serves as an intermediary that can be transported deeper into the formation without being consumed, then activates to generate acid at the extended fracture locations, enabling both fracture extension and flow capacity improvement in previously inaccessible zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The precursor is placed in the formation in advance and activated at the target location, allowing the acidizing effect to occur at extended fracture distances where it is most needed, rather than being consumed before reaching those zones.
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 use of cyclic orthoesters and brine in the treatment solution allows for the in-situ generation of organic acids that enhance the permeability of the formation, improving oil and gas production by effectively dissolving and etching pathways within the rock, even after the initial acid has spent, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional acidizing methods.
Implementation Method 1
the cyclic orthoesters are hydrolyzed to generate organic acids
Implementation Method 2
the organic acids dissolve plugs, filter cakes, and carbonate surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods for treating a downhole environment are provided. The method includes introducing a treatment solution containing a cyclic orthoester and brine into a wellbore within the downhole environment and hydrolyzing the cyclic orthoester to produce an acid within the downhole environment.