Solvent-Free Fluidized Polymer Suspensions for Oilfield Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oilfield chemicals used in the North Sea face environmental regulatory challenges due to aquatic toxicity, biodegradability, and bio-accumulation concerns, necessitating the development of environmentally friendly alternatives that maintain functionality in drilling, completion, and cementing fluids.
Innovation Solution
A solvent-free fluidized polymer suspension composition using water-soluble polysaccharides or polyvinyl alcohol suspended in a potassium phosphate aqueous solution, specifically dibasic potassium phosphate, which is environmentally friendly and composed entirely of PLONAR-listed components, stabilized with low molecular weight CMC and xanthan gum, ensuring long-term stability and reduced environmental risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solvent based polymer suspensions (mineral oil or glycol based) are used for easy handling in oilfield operations, then ease of operation is improved, but environmental safety deteriorates due to aquatic toxicity, biodegradability and bio-accumulation concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the suspension medium from organic solvents (mineral oil, glycol) to aqueous solution. This parameter change eliminates the harmful environmental effects while maintaining the liquid suspension format for easy handling. The polymer is suspended in water-based potassium phosphate solution, achieving both ease of operation and environmental safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses water-soluble polymers that can be easily disposed of or degraded. The polymer suspension is designed to break down into harmless components (glucose, carbon dioxide, water) through biological degradation, eliminating long-term environmental persistence. This approach replaces persistent organic solvents with biodegradable aqueous-based systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high viscosity HEC is used for rheology control in completion fluids, then rheology control is improved, but fluid loss control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses low viscosity HEC at optimized concentrations rather than relying on high viscosity types. This partial action approach, combined with the synergistic effect of potassium phosphate stabilization, achieves both rheology control and fluid loss reduction. The low viscosity polymer provides sufficient rheology modification without excessive fluid loss, while the stabilization system maintains performance.
3Loss of substance
If PVA is used for fluid loss control in low temperature cementing, then fluid loss control is improved, but adaptability to different temperature conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fluid loss control system using low viscosity HEC combined with potassium phosphate stabilization. This combination provides multi-functionality: it works effectively across a wide temperature range (including low temperatures where PVA excels), provides both rheology control and fluid loss reduction, and maintains stability under varying conditions. The system adapts to different temperature conditions better than PVA alone.
4Reliability
If conventional polymer suspensions are used to maintain functionality in oilfield fluids, then functional performance is improved, but environmental compliance deteriorates due to non-PLONAR components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite suspension system combining water-soluble polymers (HEC, PVA, or both) with potassium phosphate stabilizers in an aqueous medium. This composite formulation achieves both functional performance (rheology control, fluid loss reduction) and environmental compliance (PLONAR status). The combination of components synergistically enhances functionality while all components are environmentally approved.
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 composition effectively acts as a rheology modifier and fluid loss reducer in oilfield fluids, providing superior performance and compliance with stringent North Sea environmental regulations by using only approved, non-toxic components, ensuring stable and flowable suspensions even under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid polymer suspension comprising a water soluble polymer suspended in an aqueous solution of a potassium phosphate compound
Implementation Method 2
solvent free fluidized polymer suspensions
Implementation Method 3
water soluble polymer suspended in an aqueous solution of a potassium phosphate compound
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a composition and use application of aqueous fluidized polymer suspensions of water soluble polysaccharides and/or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for use in oil field applications such completion fluids, drilling fluids, fracturing fluids and oil well cement slurries as rheology/viscosity modifier and fluid loss reducer for use where the affect on the marine environment is to be minimized.