Degradable Particulate Formation via Shear Plasticization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing degradable particulates in subterranean applications require the use of surfactants and multiple solvents, including halogenated solvents that pose health and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a degradable polymer, a viscosifier, and a single solvent is used to form a composition that is plasticized and subjected to sufficient shear to create degradable particulates, eliminating the need for surfactants and halogenated solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If emulsion methods or solution precipitation methods are used to produce degradable particulates, then degradable particulates can be produced, but surfactants and multiple solvents including halogenated solvents are required which pose health and environmental concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes harmful components (surfactants and halogenated solvents) from the production process. The invention achieves particulate formation through a simplified method using only water as solvent, eliminating the need for emulsifiers and organic solvents that cause health and environmental issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the production method by using water as the sole solvent instead of organic solvents, and by controlling pH and temperature parameters to achieve particulate formation without surfactants. This parameter change transforms the process from harmful to environmentally friendly.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple solvents and surfactants are used in production, then degradable particulates can be formed, but the process complexity and number of materials required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple production steps and materials into a single simplified process. Instead of separate emulsion formation, solvent removal, and particulate collection steps requiring multiple solvents and surfactants, the invention combines these functions into one water-based process that directly produces dry particulates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary process steps and materials (surfactant addition, organic solvent removal steps) from the production process, retaining only the essential function of forming degradable particulates through water-based hydrolysis.
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 method effectively produces degradable particulates without surfactants and halogenated solvents, enhancing safety and environmental sustainability while allowing for tailored properties and applications in subterranean uses.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the degradable polymer to at least partially plasticize
Implementation Method 2
applying sufficient shear to the degradable polymer composition so that degradable particulates begin to form
Implementation Method 3
The degradability of a degradable polymer often depends, at least in part, on its backbone structure. For instance, the presence of hydrolyzable and/or oxidizable linkages in the backbone often yields a material that will degrade as described herein
Data Source
AI summary
Methods that include a method comprising: providing a degradable polymer, a viscosifier, and one solvent; combining the degradable polymer and the solvent to form a degradable polymer composition; allowing the degradable polymer to at least partially plasticize; and applying sufficient shear to the degradable polymer composition so that degradable particulates begin to form. Additional methods are also provided.