Friction Reducing Polymer Complexation with Multivalent Ions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Friction reducing polymers in subterranean treatments are less effective in water containing multivalent ions, leading to increased energy losses due to turbulence, as these ions interact with the polymers, necessitating higher polymer concentrations and increased energy input.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a complexing agent into the treatment fluid or a concentrated polymer composition, which forms complexes with multivalent ions, thereby improving the performance of friction reducing polymers and reducing the required polymer concentration, allowing for effective friction reduction even in high multivalent ion environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If friction reducing polymers are used in water containing multivalent ions, then friction reduction is achieved, but polymer effectiveness decreases due to ion-polymer interactions
Solution Approach 1:
A complexing agent is introduced as an intermediary substance that selectively binds to multivalent ions (such as calcium and magnesium) to form stable complexes. This prevents the ions from interacting with and degrading the friction reducing polymer, thereby maintaining polymer effectiveness while still achieving friction reduction in the presence of multivalent ions
2Reliability
If polymer concentration is increased to maintain effectiveness in multivalent ion environments, then friction reduction performance is maintained, but energy input requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complexing agent acts as a protective intermediary that shields the polymer from ion-induced degradation. This allows the system to maintain optimal friction reduction performance at lower polymer concentrations, thereby reducing the energy input required to pump and circulate the treatment fluid
3Reliability
If complexing agent is added to treat multivalent ions, then polymer effectiveness is improved, but treatment fluid complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complexing agent is selected to provide multi-functionality: it complexes with multiple types of multivalent ions (calcium, magnesium, and other divalent cations), providing broad-spectrum protection to the friction reducing polymer. This universal action simplifies the overall treatment approach compared to using multiple different additives for different ion types
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 use of complexing agents significantly enhances the friction reducing performance of polymers, achieving friction reductions of over 50% even in waters with high calcium ion concentrations, by reducing the amount of complexing agent needed and improving polymer effectiveness, thus minimizing energy losses during subterranean treatments.
Implementation Method 1
the use of complexing agents to improve the performance of friction reducing polymers in water containing multivalent ions
Data Source
AI summary
A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a method that comprises: introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises water and a concentrated polymer composition comprising a complexing agent and a friction reducing polymer. Also disclosed is a method that comprises combining at least water and a concentrated polymer composition to form a treatment fluid, wherein the concentrated polymer composition comprises a complexing agent and a friction reducing polymer; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Also disclosed is a concentrated polymer composition comprising: a friction reducing polymer in an amount of about 15% to about 60% by weight of the composition; and a complexing agent.