Formate Brine Reclamation via pH-Adjusted Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reclamation of cesium and potassium formate brines is limited by the incompatibility of conventional oxidizers with formate brines, which oxidize formate ions instead of breaking down polymers, hindering the efficient recovery and recycling of these expensive drilling fluids.
Innovation Solution
A multi-step reclamation process involving a rapid pH increase to precipitate polymers, followed by an oxidizing treatment with agents like hydrogen peroxide, allows for the breakdown of polymers without oxidizing formate ions, enabling the recovery of formate brines for reuse in wellbore fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional oxidizers are used to break down polymers in spent formate brine, then polymer degradation is achieved, but formate ions are oxidized instead, reducing reclamation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the formate brine to an alkaline range (pH 9-14) before applying the oxidizing agent. This parameter change modifies the chemical environment to protect formate ions from oxidation while allowing polymer breakdown to proceed efficiently. The alkaline conditions create a protective effect on formate ions while maintaining oxidizing capability against polymer contaminants.
2Loss of substance
If formate brines are reclaimed and recycled to reduce costs, then economic feasibility improves, but conventional reclamation processes oxidize formate ions, limiting recovery effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies alkaline pH adjustment (pH 9-14) as a critical parameter change that enables effective reclamation. This parameter modification prevents formate ion oxidation during the oxidizing treatment step, allowing high-efficiency recovery of formate brines while maintaining their quality for reuse in drilling operations.
3Reliability
If alkali formates are used as drilling fluids to improve environmental safety and formation compatibility, then operational performance improves, but the high cost of cesium and potassium formate reduces economic feasibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recovery system that captures and reclaims formate brines from spent drilling fluid. By applying alkaline pH conditions during reclamation, the process prevents formate ion loss and enables effective recycling of the expensive alkali formate base fluid, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining formation compatibility benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pH parameter adjustment to an alkaline range as a key control mechanism in the reclamation process. This parameter change enables the selective protection of formate ions during oxidation treatment, ensuring high recovery efficiency of the expensive alkali formate drilling fluid for reuse.
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 method effectively recovers a significant portion of formate brines, reducing costs associated with cesium and potassium formate and improving the economic feasibility of their reuse in drilling operations by preferentially oxidizing polymer components over formate ions.
Implementation Method 1
treating the fluid with an oxidizing agent
Implementation Method 2
increasing the pH of a spent formate brine fluid to initiate precipitation of materials solubilized in the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reclaiming a formate brine may include increasing the pH of a spent formate brine fluid comprising water-soluble polymers; treating the fluid with an oxidizing agent; and removing at least a portion of suspended solids from the fluid. Further, a method of reclaiming a formate brine may include lowering the pH of the spent formate brine fluid comprising water-soluble polymers; increasing the pH of the spent formate brine fluid to initiate precipitation of materials solubilized in the fluid; treating the fluid with an oxidizing agent to break down remaining water-soluble polymer; and recovering at least a portion of the formate brine.