Friction Reducer Slurries With Thixotropic Suspension Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing liquid concentrates of friction reducers for wellbore operations face issues with phase separation and uneven distribution due to density differences between the friction reducer and the continuous phase, leading to inaccurate concentration addition to treatment fluids.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a suspending agent into the liquid concentrate that is in a critical micelle concentration and has thixotropic properties to form a mesh-like network, ensuring even dispersion and suspension of the friction reducer in the continuous phase, thereby preventing phase separation and allowing accurate concentration control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a friction reducer is added to a continuous phase to form a liquid concentrate, then friction reduction capability is improved, but phase separation occurs due to density differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction reduction capabilityVSAvoidphase separation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A suspending agent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the friction reducer and the continuous phase. The suspending agent forms a mesh-like network structure that entraps the friction reducer, preventing direct density-driven separation while maintaining the friction reduction functionality of the original components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid concentrate is transformed into a composite slurry system where the suspending agent creates a structured network that combines multiple phases (continuous phase, friction reducer, and suspending agent) into a stable heterogeneous mixture that resists phase separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If friction reducer and continuous phase are mixed, then friction reduction function is achieved, but uneven distribution occurs due to density differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction reduction functionVSAvoidconcentration uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The suspending agent acts as a mediating structure that distributes the friction reducer uniformly throughout the continuous phase by forming a three-dimensional mesh network, ensuring consistent concentration and preventing localized accumulation or depletion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspending agent creates localized micro-environments within the slurry where the friction reducer is evenly distributed at the molecular level within the mesh structure, ensuring uniform local concentration throughout the entire volume of the liquid concentrate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If liquid concentrate is stored for transportation, then friction reduction capability is maintained, but phase separation occurs over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction reduction capabilityVSAvoidstorage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The suspending agent provides preemptive protection against phase separation by forming a stabilizing network structure before storage begins. This pre-established mesh structure acts as a cushioning framework that prevents density-driven separation during extended storage and transportation periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspending agent is added in amounts sufficient to create a robust mesh network that provides over-engineered stability against phase separation, ensuring long-term storage stability even under varying temperature and transport conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 suspending agent maintains the friction reducer in a stable, evenly dispersed state during storage and transportation, enabling precise addition to treatment fluids and enhancing the effectiveness of friction reduction during wellbore operations.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThixotropy: Thixotropy

Implementation Method 2

Incorporating a suspending agent into the liquid concentrate that is in a critical micelle concentration and has thixotropic properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicelle formation: Colloid

Data Source

PatentUS12441933B2Friction reducer slurries with suspending agent

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Friction reducers can be included in a liquid concentrate for use in treatment fluids in oil and gas operations. The liquid concentrate can be a slurry and include oil or a brine as the continuous phase and the friction reducer in dry form as the dispersed phase. The liquid concentrate can be an invert emulsion and include oil as the continuous phase and water and friction reducer dissolved in the water as the dispersed phase. A suspending agent can be included in the liquid concentrate to distribute and suspend the friction reducer throughout the continuous phase. The suspending agent can form micelles that form a mesh-like network to distribute and suspend the friction reducer. A portion of the liquid concentrate can be added to a base fluid at the wellsite to form the treatment fluid. The treatment fluid can be a fracturing fluid.