Dry Ice Deliquification for Hydrocarbon Wellbore Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The flow of hydrocarbon gas in wells is impeded due to the buildup of liquids, leading to reduced pressure and premature abandonment of wells, as the pressure difference between the subterranean reservoir and the surface decreases and liquids condense, forming a fluid column that blocks gas flow.
Innovation Solution
Introducing solid carbon dioxide into the wellbore, which sublimates to gaseous carbon dioxide, displacing the fluid and restoring gas flow, potentially using a self-degrading polymer to delay sublimation and a foaming agent to enhance fluid removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the well operates continuously, then hydrocarbon gas production is maintained, but liquid accumulates in the wellbore forming a fluid column that blocks gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of carbon dioxide from solid (dry ice) to gas through sublimation. The solid CO2 is introduced into the wellbore and sublimates to gaseous CO2, expanding in volume to displace the liquid fluid column and restore gas flow. This phase change mechanism directly addresses the blockage problem without requiring additional machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
Carbon dioxide acts as an intermediary substance between the liquid blockage and the hydrocarbon gas. The CO2 sublimates and pushes the liquid column upward, serving as a mediator that transfers the force needed to displace the fluid without direct mechanical intervention. The CO2 then vented to the surface, leaving the gas flow path clear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional drilling or machinery is installed to remove liquid, then deliquification capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore system performs deliquification using materials that can be introduced through existing infrastructure. The solid CO2 sublimates using ambient heat from the wellbore environment, and the foaming agent automatically reacts with the liquid to create foam for removal. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external power sources or complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, consumable materials—solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) and foaming agents—that are introduced into the wellbore, perform their function temporarily, and are then vented or depleted. These disposable materials replace expensive, long-term machinery installations, significantly reducing capital investment and operational complexity.
3Productivity
If solid carbon dioxide is introduced into the wellbore, then fluid displacement and gas flow restoration are achieved, but pressure control and safety management become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure gauges and monitoring systems that provide real-time feedback on wellbore conditions during the CO2 injection and sublimation process. This feedback mechanism allows operators to monitor pressure changes, track the progress of fluid displacement, and make adjustments to ensure safe and effective operation, directly addressing the challenge of pressure control.
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 effectively deliquifies the well without additional drilling or machinery, increasing pressure and disrupting the fluid column to allow hydrocarbon gas to flow freely, thereby extending the life of the well and recovering more gas resources.
Implementation Method 1
introducing solid carbon dioxide into the wellbore, where the solid carbon dioxide sublimates to gaseous carbon dioxide in the presence of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
displacing the fluid from the wellbore and restoring hydrocarbon gas flow... increasing pressure and disrupting the fluid column
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for recovering hydrocarbon gas from a subterranean reservoir comprising a wellbore, the methods and systems comprising introducing solid carbon dioxide into the wellbore are described within.