Degradation Zone for Rapid Check Ball Breakdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the resource recovery and extraction industry, fracturing fluids take an extended time to degrade degradable check balls, leading to operational delays as they are not specifically designed for degradation, and existing methods do not effectively target degradation without compromising other fluid properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a hydration unit, blender, and injection of a degradation fluid to form a degradation zone with a distinct pH, which accelerates the degradation of degradable components like check balls when pumped into a wellbore, allowing for controlled and rapid degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If fracturing fluid is used to degrade check balls, then degradation occurs, but degradation takes extended time causing operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
A degradation zone is created in advance within the fracturing fluid system, pre-positioned to rapidly degrade check balls when they enter the zone. This preliminary preparation of the degradation environment eliminates the need for extended degradation periods, reducing operational delays while maintaining fracturing fluid functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fracturing fluid system incorporates a localized degradation zone with distinct chemical properties (different pH) from the main fracturing fluid. This local modification allows rapid degradation to occur in a specific region without compromising the overall properties and primary fracturing function of the bulk fluid.
2Loss of time
If degradation is accelerated, then operational time is reduced, but other fluid properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid system is segmented into distinct zones: the main fracturing fluid maintains its original properties for effective fracturing, while a separate degradation zone contains the chemical agents for rapid check ball degradation. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, preserving fluid reliability while enabling accelerated degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
Chemical modification is confined to a local degradation zone rather than affecting the entire fracturing fluid system. The degradation zone has distinct pH properties that enable rapid degradation, while the bulk fracturing fluid retains its designed properties for effective fracturing operations, thus maintaining overall system reliability.
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 enables rapid degradation of degradable components within hours instead of days, allowing for timely fracturing operations without compromising the properties of the fracturing fluid.
Implementation Method 1
injecting a degradation fluid between the hydration unit and the blender, the degradation fluid forms a degradation zone in the fluid... the degradable material and the degradation zone is pumped into a wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling degradation of a degradable material including forming a fluid in a hydration unit, admixing one or more additives to the fluid in a blender, introducing the fluid into a wellbore, injecting a degradation fluid between the hydration unit and the blender. The degradation fluid forms a degradation zone in the fluid. A degradable component formed from a degradable material is introduced into the degradation zone, and the degradable material and the degradation zone is pumped into a wellbore.