Degradable Particulate Diversion for Zonal Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing well treatment methods face challenges with low hydrocarbon flow due to low permeability of reservoirs and formation damage, particularly in hydraulic and acid fracturing of horizontal wells and multi-layered formations, where diverting techniques like particulate diversion struggle with bridging ability, dilution, and stability issues, especially at high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A treatment fluid comprising non-homogeneous particulates with a degradable material and a stabilizer, featuring a blend of particles with specific size ratios, is introduced into the well bore to create a plug, enhancing zonal isolation and fracturing efficiency while minimizing material usage and risk of formation damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If degradable particles are used for diversion, then control of producing fractures and hydrocarbon recovery is improved, but stability at high temperature deteriorates due to uncontrolled degradation kinetics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon recoveryVSAvoidstability of diverting agent

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A stabilizer is added to the degradable particulate material before injection into the wellbore. This preliminary action prevents premature degradation during pumping and treatment operations, allowing the particles to maintain their integrity until they reach the target zone where degradation is desired for fracture control and eventual removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The degradation kinetics of the particulate material are controlled by changing parameters such as temperature, pH, or presence of specific chemicals in the treatment fluid. This allows the material to remain stable during injection (different parameters) and then degrade controllably under specific downhole conditions (changed parameters) to achieve fracture control and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If large amount of diverting materials are used to create effective plugs, then zonal isolation is improved, but well bore plugging risk and formation damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezonal isolation effectivenessVSAvoidwell bore plugging risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The diverting treatment is designed to create localized plugs at specific zones or perforations within the wellbore rather than attempting to plug the entire wellbore. This is achieved by injecting particulate materials that bridge and seal only the specific zones requiring isolation, reducing the total amount of material needed and minimizing the risk of complete wellbore plugging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Degradable particulate materials are used as temporary diversion agents that serve their purpose of zonal isolation during the treatment process and then naturally degrade and disappear. This eliminates the need for permanent plugs and reduces formation damage, as the materials break down into harmless substances after completing their function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If particulate diversion is used to redirect fractures, then fracturing efficiency is improved, but bridging ability deteriorates due to dilution with well bore fluid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracturing efficiencyVSAvoidbridging ability of diverting slurry

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The particulate materials are pre-concentrated in a slurry or gel carrier fluid before injection. This preliminary concentration ensures that sufficient particulate material reaches the target zone to form effective bridges and plugs, overcoming the dilution effect that occurs during pumping and injection through the wellbore.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A carrier fluid or gel acts as an intermediary between the particulate diversion material and the wellbore environment. This intermediary protects the particulates from premature dilution and dispersion during injection, delivering them concentrated to the target zone where they can effectively bridge and redirect fractures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution improves hydrocarbon recovery by creating effective plugs with reduced material requirements, lower risk of well bore plugging, and better clean-up capabilities, even at high temperatures, through controlled degradation and stabilization of the particulates.

Implementation Method 1

non-homogeneous particulates comprising a degradable material and a stabilizer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStabilization:

Implementation Method 2

non-homogeneous particulates comprising a degradable material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDegradation:

Data Source

PatentUS10655041B2Well treatments for diversion or zonal isolation

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, by providing a treatment fluid comprising non-homogeneous particulates including a degradable material and a stabilizer; by introducing the treatment fluid into the well bore; and by creating a plug with the treatment fluid.