Depolymerization Inhibitors for Biocide-Stabilized Polymer Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bacterial contamination in industrial applications, such as oil well drilling fluids, leads to depolymerization of polymers, resulting in reduced viscosity and friction reduction, which is detrimental to processes like hydraulic fracturing and slickwater fracturing, as biocides like THPS cause adverse effects on polymer stability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a depolymerization inhibitor, such as hydroquinone or ascorbic acid, into polymer-containing fluids with biocides like THPS to maintain viscosity and friction reduction by controlling the rate of polymer depolymerization, even in aerobic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biocides like THPS are used to destroy bacteria in application fluids, then bacterial contamination is controlled, but polymer depolymerization occurs resulting in decreased viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
A depolymerization inhibitor is introduced as an intermediary substance that mediates between the biocide and the polymer. The inhibitor specifically targets and prevents the depolymerization reaction caused by biocides like THPS, while allowing the biocide to continue its antibacterial function. This intermediary protects the polymer chains from breaking down without interfering with bacterial destruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The depolymerization inhibitor is added to the application fluid before or concurrent with the biocide to preemptively counteract the harmful depolymerization effect. By establishing protective inhibition mechanisms in advance, the polymer viscosity is preserved from the outset, preventing the viscosity loss that would otherwise occur during bacterial treatment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If depolymerization inhibitors are added to maintain polymer viscosity, then viscosity stability is improved, but the complexity of the fluid formulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the concentration parameters of the depolymerization inhibitor within specific ranges (typically 1-1000 ppm) to achieve effective viscosity stabilization without excessive additive levels. By carefully controlling the inhibitor concentration parameter, the formulation maintains polymer stability while minimizing the impact of additional components on overall system complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If oxygen scavengers are used to prevent polymer oxidation, then polymer stability is improved, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts or removes the need for oxygen scavengers from the system by using alternative depolymerization inhibitors that do not require oxygen removal to function. The selected inhibitors work effectively in the presence of oxygen, eliminating the need for additional oxygen-scavenging components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
The use of depolymerization inhibitors maintains or increases the viscosity and friction reduction properties of application fluids, ensuring stability and effectiveness in industrial processes, while preventing bacterial growth without requiring oxygen scavengers.
Implementation Method 1
Methods for controlling or arresting depolymerization of polymer compositions
Implementation Method 2
Biocides are used to treat water and destroy bacteria or a substantial amount of bacteria during a biocide treatment
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling or arresting the rate of depolymerization of a polymer composition during a biocide treatment, and use of such methods in oilfield and industrial applications. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a visco-stable application fluid containing a biocide in an amount effective to reduce bacteria count, as well as additive compositions capable of reducing bacteria count in application fluids while maintaining viscosity in such fluids. Also disclosed are methods of preparing biocide-containing application fluids with improved friction reducing properties, as well as related compositions.