Delayed Release Curing Agent Particulates for Hydraulic Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional epoxy resins used in hydraulic fracturing have limited control over curing kinetics, leading to premature setting on surface equipment and undesirable parts of the wellbore due to the reactivity of the curing agent.
Innovation Solution
The development of delayed release curing agent particulates, which comprise a curing agent, a carrier, and a coating, where the coating degrades at specific downhole conditions to release the curing agent, preventing premature curing until the resin reaches the desired subterranean formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a curing agent is incorporated directly into the treatment fluid, then the resin cures quickly, but premature setting occurs on surface equipment and in undesirable parts of the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The curing agent is segmented from the treatment fluid and encapsulated within particulates. This separation allows the resin to be pumped without premature curing, and the curing agent is released only when needed at the target location through degradation of the particulate coating under downhole conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The curing agent is prepared in advance as encapsulated particulates with controlled degradation properties. These pre-prepared particulates are mixed with the resin and pumped downhole, where they will degrade at the appropriate time and location to release the curing agent and initiate resin curing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the curing agent is made less reactive to prevent premature setting, then premature setting is reduced, but control of curing kinetics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of curing agent delivery from direct mixing to controlled release through particulate degradation. By adjusting degradation parameters of the particulate coating (such as degradation rate, trigger conditions), the curing kinetics can be precisely controlled to match different application requirements without changing the curing agent's inherent reactivity.
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 solution allows for controlled and delayed curing of the resin within the subterranean formation, preventing premature reactions at the surface and ensuring effective resin hardening in the desired location, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of hydraulic fracturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the coating degrades at specific downhole conditions to release the curing agent
Data Source
AI summary
A variety of systems, methods and compositions are disclosed for delayed release of a resin curing agent. An example method may comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising a resin and delayed release curing agent particulates into a subterranean formation, wherein the delayed release curing agent particulates comprises a carrier, a curing agent disposed on the carrier, and a coating; degrading the coating; and curing the resin in the subterranean formation.