Electrolytic Composite Material for Downhole Particulate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole operations in unconsolidated rock formations generate particulate residue that can clog or damage equipment, and existing methods lack effective control over consolidation and bulk properties of particles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an inorganic oxide-based polymer composition, comprising a metallic composition such as a magnesium or calcium alloy and a solvent, is injected into the downhole environment, where the metallic composition decomposes in the presence of a corrosive fluid, catalyzing the polymer's curing and forming a stable network structure to agglomerate particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If filters and screens are used to reduce particulates, then particulate presence is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful particulates from the downhole environment by forming a consolidated mass that can be separated from the production stream, eliminating the need for complex filtration equipment while still achieving particulate reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The consolidating composition acts as an intermediary material that binds particulates together into a manageable form, serving as a bridge between the problematic loose particulates and the desired clean production stream without requiring mechanical filters
2Object-affected harmful factors
If consolidating fluid is injected to agglomerate particulates, then particulate mobility is reduced, but control over consolidation properties is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes parameter changes in the consolidating composition, specifically adjusting pH and ionic strength through modifiers to precisely control the consolidation process and bulk properties of the resulting particulate mass
Solution Approach 2:
The consolidating composition is formulated as a composite material containing colloidal particles, pH/ionic strength modifiers, and potentially other functional components that work together to provide controlled consolidation with tunable properties
3Object-affected harmful factors
If equipment such as filters and screens is used, then particulates are filtered, but equipment clogging and damage still occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to filter particulates through equipment that becomes clogged, the invention inverts the approach by consolidating particulates into a stable mass that flows freely, eliminating the filtration step that causes equipment reliability issues
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 approach effectively reduces particulate presence by forming a durable, interconnected structure that stabilizes the formation, agglomerates fine particles, and coats equipment, improving durability and longevity in downhole environments.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid capable of decomposing the metallic composition
Implementation Method 2
the metallic composition decomposes in the presence of a corrosive fluid, catalyzing the polymer's curing
Implementation Method 3
catalyzing the polymer's curing and forming a stable network structure to agglomerate particles
Implementation Method 4
forming a stable network structure to agglomerate particles
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reducing the presence of particles in a downhole environment, comprising contacting sediment particles contained in a downhole environment, with a composition comprising: a metallic composition, an inorganic oxide-based polymer, and a solvent; the contacting occurring in the presence of a fluid capable of decomposing the metallic composition.