Delayed Curing Emulsion for Simultaneous Resin and Agent Introduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delaying the curing of curable resin systems in wellbore operations require sequential introduction of separate fluids, increasing costs and time, as they cannot simultaneously introduce a curable resin and a curing agent while controlling the curing process effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two emulsions, one with a curable resin and the other with a curing agent, both comprising a hydrocarbon liquid, aqueous liquid, stabilizing, and destabilizing agents, are introduced simultaneously into the subterranean formation, allowing the curing agent to delay the curing of the resin until a desired time, using micelle sequestration to prevent initial contact and subsequent destabilization to initiate curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fluids containing curable resin and curing agent are introduced sequentially, then curing can be controlled and delayed, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the curable resin and curing agent into a single emulsion fluid, eliminating the need for sequential introduction of separate fluids. The emulsion contains both components in a stable dispersed state, allowing simultaneous introduction while maintaining curing control through the emulsion's delayed breakdown mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The curing agent is segmented into micelle structures within the emulsion, physically separated from the curable resin until the emulsion breaks down. This segmentation allows both components to coexist in the same fluid without immediate reaction, enabling delayed curing while simplifying the introduction process.
2Reliability
If separate fluids are used to introduce curable resin and curing agent, then curing delay is achieved, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both components into a single emulsion that can be introduced in one operation, the patent eliminates the time required for sequential fluid introduction while still achieving curing delay through the emulsion's stable dispersion mechanism that prevents immediate reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The emulsion is prepared in advance with both components pre-positioned in a stable dispersed state, allowing immediate introduction into the wellbore without requiring separate introduction steps. The preliminary emulsion formulation ensures delayed curing occurs automatically at the target location without additional time investment.
3Productivity
If curable resin and curing agent are introduced simultaneously, then process efficiency improves, but uncontrolled curing may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The emulsion acts as an intermediary medium that holds both the curable resin and curing agent in a stable dispersed state during transport. The emulsion structure prevents direct contact between the two components, allowing simultaneous introduction without uncontrolled curing, while still enabling curing to occur when the emulsion breaks down at the target location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of the curing agent by incorporating it into micelle structures within the emulsion. This parameter change allows both components to coexist in the same fluid phase without immediate reaction, enabling controlled simultaneous introduction while maintaining curing control through the emulsion's stability characteristics.
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective consolidation of particles by ensuring the curable resin coats and bonds with particles at the desired location within the wellbore, enhancing particle pack stability and integrity without immediate curing during introduction.
Implementation Method 1
both of the first and second emulsions comprise: (A) an internal phase comprising a hydrocarbon liquid; (B) an external phase comprising an aqueous liquid; (C) a stabilizing agent; and (D) a destabilizing agent
Implementation Method 2
wherein the first and second emulsions are commingled prior to introduction, and wherein the first and second emulsions are introduced simultaneously; and causing or allowing the curing agent to cure at least some of the curable resin
Implementation Method 3
ensuring the curable resin coats and bonds with particles at the desired location within the wellbore, enhancing particle pack stability and integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating particles of a particle pack located in a subterranean formation comprising: providing a first emulsion, wherein the first emulsion comprises a curable resin; providing a second emulsion, wherein the second emulsion comprises a curing agent, wherein the curing agent causes the curable resin to cure, wherein both of the first and second emulsions comprise: (A) an internal phase comprising a hydrocarbon liquid; (B) an external phase comprising an aqueous liquid; (C) a stabilizing agent; and (D) a destabilizing agent; introducing the first and second emulsions into the subterranean formation, wherein the first and second emulsions are commingled prior to introduction, and wherein the first and second emulsions are introduced simultaneously; and causing or allowing the curing agent to cure at least some of the curable resin after the step of introducing.