Deformable Additive for Proppant Flowback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling proppant flowback in subterranean wells often compromise hydraulic conductivity, as additives used to prevent proppant migration occupy space in the porous pack and reduce permeability, and their effectiveness diminishes over time due to changes in formation fluid flow rates and composition.
Innovation Solution
A well treatment composition comprising an additive with a modifiable external surface shape, which can change properties such as dissolution rate, solubility, or volume in response to controlled parameters like temperature, pressure, or exposure to formation fluids, allowing for effective proppant flowback control without long-term damage to hydraulic conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proppant flowback control materials (resins, fibers, deformable particles) are added to the sandpack, then proppant flowback is controlled, but fracture conductivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs deformable proppant particles that dynamically change their shape in response to fluid flow conditions. During high-flow clean-up operations, the particles deform to block pore throats and control flowback. As flow rates decrease to production levels, the particles return to their original shape, restoring fracture conductivity. This dynamic behavior allows the same material to provide both flowback control and maintain productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes materials whose physical parameters (shape, volume, rigidity) change in response to environmental conditions such as fluid pressure, temperature, or chemical composition. These parameter changes enable the additive to transition between different functional states: providing flowback control when needed and minimizing impact on conductivity when flow rates are lower.
2Reliability
If proppant flowback control materials occupy space in the porous pack, then proppant flowback is prevented, but proppant pack permeability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable particles dynamically adjust their volume and shape occupation in the porous pack based on flow conditions. During high-flow clean-up, they expand or deform to occupy pore space and control flowback. During production, they contract or return to original shape, freeing up pore space and maintaining permeability for hydrocarbon flow.
3Reliability
If conventional additives are used for proppant flowback control, then flowback is controlled during high flow rates, but effectiveness diminishes over time as formation fluid composition changes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs additives whose properties change in response to formation fluid composition changes. The deformable particles may undergo chemical or physical transformations as they are exposed to different fluid compositions over time, allowing them to maintain flowback control effectiveness throughout the production lifecycle rather than degrading or becoming ineffective.
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid compositions and methods of making and using same are described, one composition comprising a well treatment fluid and an additive combined with the well treatment fluid, wherein the additive is selected from solids, liquids and combinations thereof, the additive having a surface shape, at least one property of the surface shape enabling it to change under influence of a controllable parameter after the composition is deployed into a hydraulic fracture or gravel pack. In methods of the disclosure, the additive exists initially in a first state, and then is changed to a second state. The first state may increase proppant flowback efficiency, while the second state may increase hydraulic conductivity. In certain embodiments, the additive may change back to its first state.