Degradable Polyacrylate Diversion Material for Wellbore Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diversion materials in subterranean hydrocarbon development and production processes often require permanent solutions or are non-degradable, which can harm the environment and fail to allow for reversible fluid flow control, and existing degradable materials may not provide sufficient control over degradation timing for optimal well treatment processes.
Innovation Solution
A degradable diversion material composed of a polyacrylate compound, optionally combined with inert fillers and a polymer gelling agent, is introduced as a particulate in a carrier fluid, forming a plug or filter cake to divert fluids, and then degrades via dissolution in aqueous fluids, allowing for controlled release and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-degradable diversion materials are used to permanently prevent fluid flow, then flow control reliability is improved, but environmental harm increases and reversibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The diversion material transitions from a static permanent block to a dynamic temporary block that can change its state over time. The material is injected as a slurry and evolves through setting, bridging, and degradation phases, allowing it to provide reliable flow control during treatment operations and then automatically revert to allow flow after completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The material's key parameter is its solubility/degradability, which changes over time and under different conditions. The material is designed to be insoluble initially to provide permanent-looking blockage, but then degrades through dissolution in formation water or chemical reactions, transforming from a permanent barrier to a temporary one that restores flow.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional degradable diverters are used to allow temporary blocking, then environmental safety is improved, but control over degradation timing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by injecting multiple sequential slurries with different degradation rates and properties. The first slurry establishes the initial bridge, followed by additional slurries that modify and control the degradation timeline. This staged approach allows operators to pre-plan and control when degradation will occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls degradation timing by adjusting slurry composition, injection timing, and using materials with different degradation rates. Operators can modify the degradation profile during the treatment process by injecting additional materials or adjusting chemical additives, providing real-time control over when the material will degrade.
3Adaptability or versatility
If degradable diversion materials are used for temporary blocking, then reversibility is improved, but degradation time control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The degradation process is segmented into multiple controllable phases through sequential slurry injection. Each slurry contributes differently to the overall degradation timeline, with some materials degrading faster than others. This segmentation allows independent control of different degradation stages, improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite materials combining multiple polymers and additives with different degradation characteristics. By blending materials like hydrolyzable polymers, dissolvable polymers, and inert extenders in specific ratios, the system achieves precise control over degradation timing while maintaining reversibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple degradable materials are used, then cost is reduced, but degradation time control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses relatively inexpensive, readily available materials such as common polymers (PVA, PEG, dextran), salts, and standard chemical additives. These materials can be purchased from常规 suppliers and mixed on-site, avoiding the need for expensive proprietary materials while still achieving controlled degradation through proper formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls degradation timing by adjusting parameters of simple, cheap materials rather than using complex expensive materials. By changing polymer molecular weight, salt concentration, pH, temperature, and additive ratios, precise degradation control is achieved using inexpensive, easily manufactured components.
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 degradable diversion material effectively and reversibly controls fluid flow, is cost-effective and eco-friendly, and can be tailored for specific well treatments by varying the degradation time through salt concentration and polymer gelling agent usage, ensuring efficient well operation and environmental safety.
Implementation Method 1
degrades via dissolution in aqueous fluids
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are degradable diverter materials comprising a polyacrylate compound. In particular, the degradable diverter material may be a particulate with each individual particle being having a polyacrylate compound and optionally at least one inert filler. The degradable diverter material may be introduced into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The degradable diverter material may then be allowed to divert at least a portion of fluid present downhole, the fluid being introduced from the surface or already present downhole. The degradable diverter material can then be allowed to at least partially degrade via dissolution.