Degradable Polymeric Vehicle for Controlled Chemical Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The harsh and uncontrolled downhole environment in petroleum wells hinders the effective implementation of controlled release technologies, necessitating new chemistries and mechanisms for delivering chemicals like surfactants, breakers, and inhibitors in oilfield operations.
Innovation Solution
Development of delivery systems comprising particles with a polymeric vehicle and cargo, where the vehicle is designed to be degradable under specific conditions, allowing controlled release of chemicals such as scale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, and surfactants within the petroleum reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If controlled release technologies are implemented in downhole environments, then chemical delivery precision is improved, but the harsh and uncontrolled nature of the downhole environment prevents reliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is designed with dynamic degradation properties, transitioning from a stable encapsulated state during delivery to a degradable state under specific downhole conditions (temperature, pressure, chemical environment), enabling controlled release of cargo only when and where needed in the harsh downhole environment
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits changes in physical and chemical parameters (temperature, pressure, pH, chemical composition) between surface delivery conditions and downhole reservoir conditions to trigger selective cargo release, allowing the vehicle to respond adaptively to the harsh environment rather than being disrupted by it
2Manufacturing precision
If chemicals are delivered to deep reservoir locations, then targeted treatment is improved, but the cost of oilfield chemicals and sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system is designed to autonomously navigate to target locations and self-trigger cargo release based on environmental cues encountered in the reservoir, eliminating the need for expensive external sensors and complex control systems while maintaining high targeted delivery accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical delivery system is segmented into multiple independent vehicle particles, each capable of autonomous targeted delivery and controlled release, allowing precise distribution of chemicals to specific reservoir zones without requiring expensive centralized control infrastructure
3Productivity
If the vehicle degrades under downhole conditions, then cargo release is enabled, but the vehicle structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle structure transitions dynamically from a strong, intact encapsulated state during transport and delivery to a degraded, disassembled state under specific downhole conditions, with the degradation process itself being the mechanism for controlled cargo release
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is pre-configured with degradation-triggering functionalities and labile crosslinks that remain dormant during delivery but activate automatically upon encountering specific downhole conditions, ensuring timely cargo release without requiring additional activation mechanisms
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
Enables targeted and controlled release of chemicals at the desired location within the petroleum formation, enhancing oilfield operations by ensuring timely and effective delivery of chemicals, even in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle can be at least partially degradable via a mechanism selected from the group consisting of thermal degradation, oxidative degradation, chemical degradation, photodegradation, pressure-dependent degradation, ultrasonic degradation, mechanical degradation, and combinations thereof
Implementation Method 2
The vehicle can be at least partially degradable via a mechanism selected from the group consisting of thermal degradation, oxidative degradation, chemical degradation, photodegradation, pressure-dependent degradation, ultrasonic degradation, mechanical degradation, and combinations thereof
Implementation Method 3
The vehicle can be at least partially degradable via a mechanism selected from the group consisting of thermal degradation, oxidative degradation, chemical degradation, photodegradation, pressure-dependent degradation, ultrasonic degradation, mechanical degradation, and combinations thereof
Implementation Method 4
The vehicle can be at least partially degradable via a mechanism selected from the group consisting of thermal degradation, oxidative degradation, chemical degradation, photodegradation, pressure-dependent degradation, ultrasonic degradation, mechanical degradation, and combinations thereof
Implementation Method 5
The cargo can be controllably diffusible through the shell
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to delivery and release systems wherein a plurality of particles is provided, and the particles are formed of a vehicle component and a cargo component. The systems and methods particularly can be useful in delivery of various chemicals to a petroleum reservoir. The vehicle component can undergo a change in situ such that at least a portion of the cargo component is released.