Degradable Nanomaterial Plugging for Low-Temperature Fracturing Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracturing fluids cause extensive filtration loss and permeation into low-permeability tight sandstone oil and gas reservoirs, leading to matrix damage and low production efficiency, with existing degradable plugging agents failing to effectively plug nanometer-scale pores and requiring high temperatures for degradation.
Innovation Solution
A degradable nanomaterial with specific molecular aggregate hydrodynamic particle sizes in liquid polyethylene glycol is developed, chemically modified with fluorine-containing carbon chain surfactants, allowing it to plug pores of various dimensions and degrade at lower temperatures, reducing filtration loss and matrix damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing degradable plugging agents (macromolecular materials) are used, then degradation is achieved, but the temperature required for degradation is high and the degradation rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the plugging agent from macromolecular materials to nanometer-sized cyclic diester materials. This parameter change enables the material to degrade at lower temperatures (60-90°C) while maintaining effective plugging capability, directly resolving the contradiction between degradation capability and degradation temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining nanometer-sized cyclic diester materials with fracturing fluid additives. This composite approach allows the nanometer material to provide both plugging function and low-temperature degradability, while the additives enhance the overall performance in the fracturing fluid system
2Reliability
If existing plugging agents are used, then plugging of micrometer-scale pores is achieved, but plugging of nanometer-scale pores in low-permeability tight sandstone is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the size parameter of the plugging agent from micrometer-scale macromolecular materials to nanometer-scale cyclic diester materials (10-100 nm). This size reduction enables the material to effectively plug nanometer-scale pores in low-permeability tight sandstone while maintaining plugging effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from considering only micrometer-scale plugging to addressing nanometer-scale plugging by introducing materials with dimensions in the nanometer range. This dimensional change allows the plugging agent to match and effectively seal the smaller pore structures in tight sandstone formations
3Productivity
If fracturing fluids are used in low-permeability tight sandstone reservoirs, then fracturing operation is achieved, but extensive filtration loss and permeation into the formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nanometer-sized cyclic diester materials as plugging agents that preliminarily seal pore throats and micro-fractures before the fracturing fluid can cause extensive filtration loss and permeation. This preliminary plugging action reduces fluid loss into the formation while maintaining the effectiveness of the fracturing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nanometer-sized cyclic diester materials that can penetrate and plug the porous structure of tight sandstone formations. These nanometer materials effectively seal the pore network, reducing filtration loss and preventing fluid permeation into the formation, thereby protecting reservoir productivity
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 nanomaterial achieves multiscale plugging, reduces filtration loss, decreases reservoir damage, and enhances flow back efficiency without discharge aids, promoting rapid fluid flow and increased recovery rates in low-permeability reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
a degradable nanomaterial, chemically modified with fluorine-containing carbon chain surfactants
Implementation Method 2
can effectively plug pores of various dimensions when applied in a fracturing fluid system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A degradable nanomaterial and a preparation method therefor and use thereof, and a fracturing fluid. The molecular aggregate hydrodynamic particle size D10 of the degradable nanomaterial in a liquid polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 380-430 is less than 30µm, D50 is equal to 50-120µm, and D90 is equal to150-250µm. The preparation method for the degradable nanomaterial comprises: subjecting a nanomicrosphere lactide raw material to hydroxylation treatment and activation treatment, then mixing and bringing same into contact with a fluorocarbon-chain-containing surfactant. The degradable nanomaterial has excellent degradation proformance at relativey low temperatures, which satisfies low temperature construction requirements, and can effectively block pores having various sizes when used in a fracturing fluid system.