Fluid Loss Control Package Using Degradable Particulates
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean formation operations, fluid loss during treatments like drilling and hydraulic fracturing reduces the effectiveness of treatment fluids and can lead to buildup of solid materials, hindering production operations.
Innovation Solution
A fluid loss control package (FLCP) comprising a synergistic combination of rigid non-degradable and pliable degradable particulates is introduced into the treatment fluid, forming a stable fluidic seal to prevent fluid influx and efflux, with the pliable degradable particulates degrading to restore permeability after the treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a fluid loss control package with rigid non-degradable particulates is used to reduce fluid loss, then fluid loss control is improved, but permeability restoration requires additional removal steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using pliable degradable particulates that change their physical and chemical properties over time. These particulates start in a stable, seal-forming state and gradually degrade through hydrolysis and microbial action, transforming from impermeable to permeable, thus automatically restoring formation permeability without additional removal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable polymers as temporary sealants that serve their fluid loss control function and then naturally decompose. This disposable approach eliminates the need for permanent sealant removal operations, reducing operational complexity and costs while maintaining effective fluid loss control during the treatment period
2Device complexity
If pliable degradable particulates are used to automatically restore permeability, then operational complexity is reduced, but the reliability of long-term fluid loss control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a time-dependent fluid loss control system. The pliable degradable particulates provide dynamic adaptation: they maintain seal integrity during the treatment period when fluid loss control is critical, then progressively degrade to restore permeability. This dynamic behavior allows the system to automatically transition between different operational states without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing particulates with predetermined degradation characteristics. The biodegradable polymers are selected and formulated to degrade at specific rates under downhole conditions, ensuring that seal maintenance and permeability restoration occur in the correct sequence without requiring additional operational steps
3Loss of substance
If a synergistic combination of rigid and pliable particulates is used, then fluid loss control effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity of the fluid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining rigid non-degradable particulates with pliable degradable polymer particles in a single fluid loss control package. This composite approach leverages the strengths of both material types: rigid particulates provide immediate structural support for seal formation, while pliable polymer particles provide temporary sealing that degrades over time, achieving superior fluid loss control with automatic permeability restoration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single fluid loss control package. By combining rigid and pliable particulates in one formulation, the system simultaneously achieves seal formation, fluid loss control, and time-dependent permeability restoration, eliminating the need for separate treatments and simplifying the overall manufacturing and application process
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 FLCP effectively reduces fluid loss, maintains the integrity of treatment fluids, and allows for the removal of the seal without additional steps, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs by using readily available materials.
Implementation Method 1
The biodegradable polymers may degrade through a combination of hydrolysis and microbial action
Implementation Method 2
The biodegradable polymers may degrade through a combination of hydrolysis and microbial action
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems including introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a base fluid and a fluid loss control package (FLCP). The FLCP comprises rigid non-degradable particulates and pliable degradable particulates. The FLCP forms a fluidic seal in the subterranean formation at a target interval, thereby providing fluid loss control therein.