Multi-Size Particle Diverting Slurry for Zonal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for zonal isolation and fracturing in subterranean formations face challenges such as reduced bridging ability of diverting slurry due to dilution, high requirements for diverting materials, and poor stability during pumping and treatment stages, leading to issues like lost circulation, stuck pipe, and decreased production.
Innovation Solution
A method using a treatment fluid blend with particulates of specific size ratios, including a first amount with a larger size and a second amount with a smaller size, introduced into the well bore to create a plug, which reduces permeability and enhances zonal isolation, allowing for lower material usage and improved clean-up, while also being designed for self-degradation or chemical removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diverting slurry is pumped into the well bore, then treatment diversion is achieved, but bridging ability is reduced due to dilution with well bore fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite diverting slurry composed of multiple particle sizes (fine particles 0.003-0.06mm, medium particles 0.06-0.24mm, and coarse particles 0.24-0.6mm) combined with viscosity-modifying polymers. This composite formulation maintains bridging ability despite dilution by creating a multi-sized particle structure that interlocks effectively and a viscous matrix that holds particles together even at lower concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the diverting slurry by controlling particle size distribution and viscosity. The multi-size particle distribution (with ratios specified between size classes) and polymer-induced viscosity changes allow the slurry to maintain its diverting function at lower concentrations, resolving the contradiction between reliability and quantity.
2Reliability
If large amount of diverting materials is used to maintain bridging ability, then treatment diversion is achieved, but material cost and clean-up complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The composite slurry with multi-size particles and polymer binder achieves effective diversion with reduced material quantities. The fine particles (0.003-0.06mm) fill voids between larger particles, creating a dense, low-permeability plug that requires less total material while maintaining diversion reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing particle size ratios and viscosity parameters, the patent reduces the total volume of diverting material needed. The specific size ranges and polymer concentrations allow the slurry to form effective bridges and plugs using smaller amounts of material, reducing both cost and clean-up requirements.
3Reliability
If conventional single-size particulates are used, then diverting is achieved, but stability during pumping and treatment is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-component composite slurry (fine particles, medium particles, coarse particles, and polymer) provides superior stability during pumping and treatment. The particle size hierarchy prevents segregation during pumping, while the polymer matrix binds particles together, maintaining composition stability throughout the treatment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: particle size distribution ratios, polymer concentration, and viscosity. These parameter adjustments create a slurry with optimal flow characteristics for pumping and stable composition during treatment, resolving the stability issue.
4Productivity
If viscous pad fluid is used to initiate and propagate fracture, then fracture propagation is achieved, but formation damage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces or eliminates highly viscosified polymers in favor of alternative viscosity modification approaches and particle-based diversion mechanisms. This parameter change in fluid rheology reduces formation damage from polymer deposition while maintaining fracture propagation capability through optimized particle slurry design.
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 method achieves effective zonal isolation with reduced material requirements, lower risks of well bore plugging and formation damage, and improved clean-up, enhancing the efficiency of fracturing and drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
reduced bridging ability of diverting slurry during pumping because of dilution with well bore fluid
Implementation Method 2
creating a plug with the treatment fluid... which reduces permeability and enhances zonal isolation
Implementation Method 3
A method using a treatment fluid blend with particulates of specific size ratios, including a first amount with a larger size and a second amount with a smaller size
Implementation Method 4
designed for self-degradation or chemical removal... improved clean-up
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, by providing a treatment fluid comprising a blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 3 mm and 2 cm and a second amount of particulates having a second average size between about 1.6 and 20 times smaller than the first average particle size or a second amount of flakes having a second average size up to 10 times smaller than the first average particle size; by introducing the treatment fluid into the well bore; and by creating a plug with the treatment fluid.