Encapsulated Activator for Controllable Subterranean Gelation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plugging systems for fluid leaks in inaccessible locations, such as buried pipes or tunnels, face challenges including toxicity issues with existing compounds, uncontrollable setting times, and inefficiencies in sealing subterranean structures, particularly due to exothermic reactions leading to foam formation and lack of precise control over gelation.
Innovation Solution
A polyurethane encapsulated accelerator system for a (meth)acrylate gelling system that uses a reverse emulsion process to encapsulate polymerization initiators and accelerators, allowing for controlled release through physical means like high shear, pressure, or temperature, ensuring accurate and rapid gelation of water-soluble or dispersable monomers like acrylated or methacrylated polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene monomers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plugging systems (particles, fibres, cement) are used to seal leaks in inaccessible locations, then the leak can be blocked, but the system lacks controlled gelation and precise setting time control
Solution Approach 1:
The polymerizable monomers and initiators are prepared in advance as stable aqueous compositions that remain inactive during storage and transport. The encapsulated accelerator is also prepared separately. When injected into the leak location, these pre-prepared components are mixed and triggered to gelate on-demand, providing both reliability and controllable timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature-sensitive triggers to initiate gelation. The aqueous composition contains polymerizable monomers and initiators that remain stable at storage temperatures but undergo rapid polymerization when exposed to elevated temperatures (e.g., hot water circulation), enabling precise control of the setting time parameter.
2Productivity
If exothermic polymerization reactions are used to achieve quick gelation, then rapid setting is achieved, but foam formation and expansion occur which interferes with subterranean applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs water-soluble or water-dispersible monomers and initiators that undergo polymerization with minimal exothermicity compared to conventional organic-based systems. This parameter change in the chemical composition reduces the heat of reaction, preventing foam formation and excessive expansion while maintaining rapid gelation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite system combining water-soluble monomers (acrylamide, polyacrylamide), water-dispersible initiators, and encapsulated accelerators. This composite material approach enables controlled polymerization with reduced exothermicity, avoiding the foam formation problems associated with traditional exothermic systems.
3Productivity
If conventional accelerators are used to trigger polymerization, then gelation can be initiated, but toxicity issues arise from the chemical compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces conventional toxic organic accelerators with encapsulated water-soluble or water-dispersible accelerators. These alternative accelerators, when encapsulated and used in the aqueous system, maintain effective polymerization initiation while reducing toxicity. The encapsulation further contains any potentially harmful substances until activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerators are used in small, controlled amounts and are encapsulated for single-use deployment. After triggering the polymerization, the accelerator is consumed in the reaction, eliminating the need for long-term presence of potentially toxic substances in the environment.
4Ease of operation
If delaying agents are added to enable remote location injection, then the system can be transported to distant leaks, but setting time control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be injected in its inactive, stable state to remote locations. The polymerizable monomers and initiators are pre-formulated to remain stable during transport. Upon reaching the target location, the system is triggered (e.g., by temperature increase) to begin gelation, ensuring both remote injectability and accurate timing control at the precise moment needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature as a controllable parameter to initiate polymerization. By controlling the temperature trigger (e.g., circulating hot water through injection ports), the setting time can be precisely controlled even after remote injection, overcoming the limitations of chemical delaying agents.
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 solution provides a non-toxic, controllable, and efficient gelling system that can be triggered at remote locations, ensuring quick gelation and effective sealing of fluid leaks in subterranean environments without the risks of toxicity or excessive expansion, thereby addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
trigger a gelling system by physical means such as high shear, high pressure, temperature, crushing shearing
Implementation Method 2
polymerizable system comprising water-soluble or water-dispersible monomers and a polymerization initiator dispersed in said monomers
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to aqueous gelling systems comprising an encapsulated polymerization accelerator with water soluble or dispersable monomers comprising acrylated or methacrylated polyethylene and/or polyoxypropylene monomers and a polymerization initiator dispersed in said monomers, useful i.a. for sealing subterranean environments or consolidation of a soil or sealing of a subterranean structure.