Degradable Particulates Reduce Friction in Subterranean Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean applications, particulate-laden fluids face challenges with increased viscosity and residual stress as particulate loading increases, leading to bridging issues that impede flow and reduce well productivity, with existing solutions like small silica particles causing further flow restrictions.
Innovation Solution
The use of degradable particulates with a mean diameter at least 20 times smaller than macro-particulates to reduce friction and viscosity in particulate-laden fluids, enhancing flow by forming a lubricating effect and preventing flowback in subterranean formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If small silica particles are added to reduce friction between macro-particulates, then friction is reduced, but flow restrictions and bridging issues occur in subterranean formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a intermediary substance (surfactant or polymer) that mediates between the macro-particulates and the small particles. This intermediary coating on the small particles reduces direct friction contact while preventing bridging and flow restrictions, thus resolving the contradiction between friction reduction and flow maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties of small particles by coating them with surfactants or polymers, altering their interaction characteristics. This parameter change allows the particles to reduce friction without causing bridging, as the coated surface modifies adhesion and friction properties
2Productivity
If particulate loading is increased to enhance well productivity, then productivity is improved, but viscosity and residual stress increase leading to bridging issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses small particles coated with surfactants or polymers as intermediaries that reduce residual stress and friction between macro-particulates. This allows higher particulate loading to be achieved without the stress buildup that causes bridging, thus improving productivity while controlling stress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the particulate system by introducing coated small particles that modify inter-particle forces. This parameter change enables increased particulate concentration without proportional increases in viscosity and residual stress
3Force
If small silica particles are used as friction reducers, then friction between macro-particulates is reduced, but the small particles lodge in formation pores and screens causing flow restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coating (surfactant or polymer) as an intermediary layer on small particles that prevents them from lodging in pores and screens. This intermediary layer maintains the friction-reducing function while eliminating the harmful lodging effect, thus preserving both friction reduction and flow reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameters of small particles through coating, which alters their size-effective interaction with pore structures. The coated particles have modified surface properties that prevent adhesion to screens and formation surfaces, maintaining fluid flow reliability while preserving friction reduction
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
This approach improves the flow of particulates, reduces viscosity and residual stress, and prevents premature closure of fractures, allowing for increased particulate loading and enhanced well productivity without causing flow restrictions in subterranean formations.
Implementation Method 1
The use of degradable particulates as friction reducers that may reduce the potential stresses caused by increased particulate loading in fluids
Implementation Method 2
This approach improves the flow of particulates, reduces viscosity and residual stress
Data Source
AI summary
Particulate compositions that comprise macro-particulates, and degradable particulates in an amount sufficient to reduce friction between the macro-particulates, the degradable particulates having a mean particle diameter of at least about 20 times smaller than the mean particle diameter of the macro-particulates are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are fluids that comprise a liquid component, and a particulate composition, the particulate composition comprising macro-particulates and degradable particulates having a mean particle diameter of at least about 20 times smaller than the mean particle diameter of the macro-particulates, wherein the degradable particulates are present in the particulate composition in an amount sufficient to reduce friction between the macro-particulates. Methods of using the particulate compositions and fluids are also disclosed.