Foamed Crosslinked Polymer for Annular Pressure Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Annular pressure buildup in wellbore annuli during oil and gas production poses operational challenges due to existing methods' inefficiencies, such as flow restrictions, equipment damage, and logistical difficulties, particularly at elevated temperatures above 400°F.
Innovation Solution
A foamed crosslinked polymer system is introduced into the wellbore annulus, comprising a linear or modified polymer with carbonyl groups, an amine-based crosslinking agent, and a foam surfactant, which forms a resilient, low-density foam capable of compressing to mitigate pressure buildup and withstand high temperatures without chromium-based crosslinkers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If syntactic foam wrapping is used on the casing, then annular pressure buildup is mitigated, but flow restrictions occur during primary cementing and the foam may detach or become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the polymer from solid/syntactic foam to foamed aerogel with controlled density and porosity. The foamed aerogel maintains pressure mitigation functionality while achieving lower density and improved flow characteristics during cementing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining polymer with aerogel structure, creating a foamed aerogel that integrates the pressure absorption capability of foam with the low density and high porosity of aerogel, resolving the contradiction between pressure mitigation and flow restriction
2Reliability
If nitrified spacer fluids are placed in the annulus, then annular pressure buildup is reduced, but logistical difficulties and high expenses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The foamed aerogel is designed as a disposable material that is pumped into the annulus and left in place to absorb pressure buildup. This eliminates the need for complex retrieval operations and specialized equipment, reducing logistical complexity while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters by using foamed aerogel with controlled density and porosity, allowing the material to be pumped as a fluid that expands in situ, simplifying the logistics compared to handling solid syntactic foam or specialized nitrified fluids
3Stability of the object's composition
If the annular space is trapped to isolate fluids, then fluid isolation is achieved, but pressure buildup damages the cement sheath, casing, and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The foamed aerogel acts as an intermediary material placed in the trapped annular space between the cement sheath/casing and the production fluids. It absorbs pressure buildup through compression and phase change, protecting the cement sheath and casing from damage while maintaining fluid isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful pressure buildup into a beneficial compression force that drives the foamed aerogel to expand and fill voids, thereby mitigating pressure peaks and protecting equipment while maintaining the trapped annular space configuration
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 foamed treatment fluid effectively reduces pressure buildup at temperatures up to 400°F, preventing equipment damage and maintaining operational stability by compressing and adapting to temperature changes, thus enhancing wellbore integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosed system, when foamed, has the ability to compress (and change shape) as needed to mitigate APB buildup
Implementation Method 2
As the oil and gas pass through the wellbore, heat may be passed from such fluids through the casing and into the annular space, which typically results in expansion of any fluids in the annular space
Implementation Method 3
an amine-based crosslinking agent, and a foam surfactant, which forms a resilient, low-density foam
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mitigating annular pressure buildup includes providing or using a foamed treatment fluid including: an aqueous base fluid; a water-soluble polymer comprising carbonyl groups; an organic crosslinking agent that comprises an amine group that is capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer comprising carbonyl groups; a foam surfactant; and sufficient gas to form a foam; and introducing the foamed treatment fluid into a well bore annulus. A foamed treatment fluid includes an aqueous base fluid; a water-soluble polymer comprising carbonyl groups; an organic crosslinking agent that comprises an amine group that is capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer comprising carbonyl groups; a foam surfactant; and sufficient gas to form a foam.