Electrically Controlled Propellant for Subterranean Zonal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subterranean operations face challenges in uniformly treating formations due to uncontrollable degradation of self-degradable diverting and bridging agents, which can lead to premature or delayed removal, causing operational inefficiencies and equipment damage from acidic solutions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of electrically controlled propellants that can be ignited by an electrical current to facilitate controlled removal, providing a temporary and stable solution for diverting, bridging, and plugging in subterranean formations, reducing the need for separate remediation treatments and minimizing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If self-degradable diverting and bridging agents are used, then removal after use is enabled, but degradation time cannot be controlled leading to premature or delayed removal
Solution Approach 1:
The diverting and bridging agents are pre-loaded with electrically controlled propellant materials before being placed in the formation. This preliminary action enables controlled removal by electrical ignition at the desired time, eliminating the uncontrolled degradation timing of self-degradable materials while maintaining the ability to remove agents after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The natural degradation process of self-degradable materials is replaced with an electrically controlled combustion system. The electrical propellant materials provide a reliable, on-demand removal mechanism that substitutes the unpredictable chemical degradation with a controllable electrical ignition system.
2Ease of repair
If strongly acidic solutions are used to remove particulate agents, then solid particles are dissolved, but metallic surfaces and completion equipment are corroded
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical dissolution process using strongly acidic solutions is replaced with an electrical combustion process. The electrically controlled propellant materials are ignited to burn away the particulate agents, eliminating the need for corrosive acids and thereby preventing corrosion of metallic surfaces and completion equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical propellant materials provide a controlled oxidation/combustion process that efficiently removes organic and inorganic particulate agents without requiring strongly acidic solutions. This accelerated oxidation achieves effective removal while avoiding the harmful corrosive effects of strong acids.
3Ease of repair
If strongly acidic solutions are used to remove particulate agents, then decomposition of polymer is achieved, but producing formation damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The acid-based decomposition process is replaced with electrical combustion of propellant materials. This substitution achieves polymer decomposition and removal through controlled burning rather than chemical dissolution, eliminating the formation damage caused by acidic solutions while maintaining effective agent removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of using strong acids is converted into a beneficial electrical combustion process. The electrical propellant materials provide a controlled energy source that decomposes and removes polymer-based bridging agents without the harmful side effects of acid exposure to the producing formation.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional diverting agents are used, then uniform treatment distribution is achieved, but removal requires considerable time and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The diverting agents are pre-loaded with electrically controlled propellant materials during placement. This preliminary action enables rapid removal by electrical ignition at the end of the treatment process, eliminating the time-consuming removal operations required for conventional agents while maintaining uniform treatment distribution during the intervention.
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
Enables precise and complete removal of diverting agents, reducing shut-in times, stabilizing at high temperatures and pressures, and producing non-toxic by-products, thus enhancing production efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a solid electrically controlled propellant is introduced into at least a portion of a subterranean formation as a part of a temporary diverting agent, bridging agent, proppant material, or plugging material
Implementation Method 2
The electrically controlled propellants used in the present disclosure are solid substances that can be ignited by passing an electrical current through the propellant
Implementation Method 3
stabilizing at high temperatures and pressures
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of diverting fluid flow, controlling fluid loss, and/or providing zonal isolation in subterranean formations are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: providing a particulate material that comprises an electrically controlled propellant; placing the particulate material in at least a first portion of the subterranean formation; introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation; and allowing the particulate material to at least partially divert the flow of the treatment fluid away from the first portion of the formation.