Film-Forming Surface Spreading Agent for Oilfield Water Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Open-air oilfield water storage ponds face challenges with water evaporation, biological contamination, and the need for protective gear when handling surface spreading agents, which are not adequately addressed by existing solutions used in municipal or agricultural settings.

Innovation Solution

A film-forming composition with a surface spreading agent, packaged in an impervious material, is used to create a thin surface layer on oilfield water storage ponds, reducing evaporation and biological growth while avoiding the need for protective gear during handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If surface spreading agents are applied to open-air ponds to reduce evaporation and biological growth, then water loss and contamination are minimized, but handling the agents requires protective gear which creates negative perceptions and operational impediments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater lossVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The surface spreading agent is encapsulated in a thin film form that can be directly applied to the water surface. The film format eliminates the need for protective gear during handling while the agent itself forms a protective film on the water surface to reduce evaporation and biological growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses disposable film articles that are pre-packaged and can be directly deployed in the pond. These single-use articles eliminate contamination risks and handling complexities, improving ease of operation while effectively reducing water loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If open-air ponds are used instead of storage tanks, then cost effectiveness and accessibility are improved, but water evaporation and biological contamination increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost effectivenessVSAvoidbiological contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A thin film is applied to the surface of the open-air pond water to create a barrier that reduces evaporation and limits biological contamination while maintaining the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of open-air storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The film article is designed to self-deploy when placed on the water surface, automatically forming a protective layer without requiring complex application equipment or procedures, thus maintaining operational simplicity while protecting against harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If chemical treatments are applied to prevent contamination, then biological safety is improved, but handling complexity and protective gear requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidhandling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chemical treatment is incorporated into a film structure that simplifies application. The film format prevents direct handling of chemicals, eliminating the need for protective gear and reducing handling complexity while maintaining reliable contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the surface spreading agent with the film material to create a composite structure. This integration ensures proper dosing and application while the film provides a safe handling medium, reducing complexity and improving reliability of contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution effectively minimizes water loss and biological contamination, maintains a stable oxygen level, and allows natural solar disinfection, while eliminating the need for protective gear during handling and application.

Implementation Method 1

Surface spreading agents are known for use in municipal water reservoirs, swimming pools, and agricultural water storage ponds for purposes of trapping heat and/or minimizing evaporation of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface spreading: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

The film-forming composition is packaged in an impervious material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

allows natural solar disinfection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar disinfection: Solar Energy

Data Source

PatentUS10370829B2Articles comprising a surface spreading agent, oilfield water storage systems employing the same, and methods of managing the oilfield water storage systems

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 ANDRZEJAK TIMOTHY AL

AI summary

Articles including a surface spreading agent, oilfield water storage systems that employ the articles, and methods of managing an oilfield water storage system are provided herein. In an embodiment, an article includes a film-forming composition and a densifying agent. The film-forming composition includes a surface spreading agent present in an amount of at least 5 weight %, based on the total weight of the film-forming composition. The densifying agent has a higher density than water and the surface spreading agent. The film-forming composition is packaged in an impervious material.