Degradable Polymer Diverting Agents in Subterranean Treatments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean treatment methods face challenges in maintaining the suspension of particulate diverting agents within treatment fluids as they pass through formations and equipment, leading to potential obstruction and reduced effectiveness due to premature settling, which can jeopardize uniform treatment distribution.
Innovation Solution
The use of degradable polymers dissolved in organic solvents allows for the formation of solid precipitates within subterranean formations, serving as diverting agents without the need for solid particulates, reducing equipment damage and enabling efficient delivery of diverting agents without the need for protective coatings, and allowing for reduced water volumes and polymer masses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If particulate diverting agents are suspended in carrier fluid and introduced into the formation, then the diverting agent can be delivered to the subterranean zone, but the particulates can obstruct flow paths and cause damage to pumping equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the polymer from solid particulate to dissolved solution form by adjusting the concentration parameter and using solvents. The polymer is introduced as a dissolved substance at controlled concentrations (e.g., 0.1-10% by weight) rather than as suspended particulates, eliminating equipment damage while maintaining diverting functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses solvents as an intermediary medium to carry the polymer through the pumping equipment and into the formation. The solvent acts as a carrier that protects the polymer from causing equipment damage during transport, then allows the polymer to precipitate or adsorb onto formation surfaces to perform the diverting function
2Reliability
If particulate diverting agents are used in the treatment fluid, then the fluid can contact the producing zone uniformly, but the particulate diverting agents may settle out of the fluid prematurely before reaching the desired portion of the formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration and physical state parameters of the polymer. By introducing the polymer as a dissolved substance at optimized concentrations rather than as suspended particulates, the system maintains stability during transport and prevents premature settling, ensuring the polymer reaches the desired formation zone before precipitating or adsorbing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical suspension system (particulates kept suspended by fluid dynamics) with a chemical dissolution system (polymer molecules dissolved in solvent). This substitution eliminates gravitational settling issues that plague particulate systems, allowing reliable delivery to the formation zone
3Productivity
If degradable polymers are dissolved in organic solvents and introduced into the formation, then equipment damage is reduced and delivery efficiency is improved, but the treatment fluid requires contact with aqueous fluids to form solid precipitates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the self-service principle by utilizing formation water (aqueous fluids naturally present in the subterranean formation) to trigger polymer precipitation. The formation water itself serves as the precipitating agent, eliminating the need for additional chemicals or complex injection systems, and simplifying the overall process while maintaining effective diverting agent delivery
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 ensures effective and efficient delivery of diverting agents, reduces equipment damage, and facilitates the removal of used materials, enhancing the uniformity and efficiency of subterranean treatments by forming solid precipitates in situ, which can act as diverting agents, bridging agents, or fluid loss control agents.
Implementation Method 1
one or more degradable polymers are provided in a treatment fluid comprising at least one organic solvent that alters or maintains the physical state of the degradable polymer (e.g., substantially dissolves and/or plasticizes the degradable polymer) such that the treatment fluid does not comprise a significant amount of solid material comprising the degradable polymer
Implementation Method 2
the treatment fluid comprising the degradable polymer and organic solvent is introduced into at least a portion of a subterranean formation, and at some point subsequent to its introduction into the formation, is contacted with an aqueous fluid. Once contacted by the aqueous fluid in the formation, the degradable polymer becomes insoluble in the aqueous fluid, forming a solid precipitate in the formation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for the use of degradable polymers that are dissolved and/or plasticized in an organic solvent in subterranean treatments. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises at least one organic solvent and one or more degradable polymers, wherein the treatment fluid does not comprise a significant amount of solid material comprising the one or more degradable polymers; introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and contacting the treatment fluid with one or more aqueous fluids to form a solid precipitate comprising the one or more degradable polymers in the portion of the subterranean formation.