Pumpable Geopolymer Suspension Fluid Loss Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Geopolymers used in the oilfield industry face challenges in controlling fluid loss, thickening, and setting times across varying temperatures and densities, which can lead to cementing failures and inefficient slurry placement.

Innovation Solution

A pumpable geopolymeric suspension is developed, comprising an aluminosilicate source, a carrier fluid, and a carbohydrate-based fluid loss control additive, such as carboxymethylcellulose or ethylcellulose, to maintain stability and prevent fluid loss during well cementing operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If geopolymer suspension is used in well cementing operations, then cementing strength and stability are improved, but fluid loss control deteriorates at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecementing strengthVSAvoidfluid loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A carbohydrate-based fluid loss control additive is introduced as an intermediary substance between the geopolymer suspension and the formation. This additive acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the suspension and formation while controlling fluid loss through its specific chemical properties, allowing the geopolymer to maintain its cementing strength without causing excessive fluid loss at high temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the geopolymer suspension by adding a carbohydrate-based fluid loss control additive. This changes the suspension's rheological properties and fluid loss characteristics while maintaining its cementing strength, enabling it to perform effectively in high-temperature well cementing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If geopolymer suspension viscosity is increased for better placement, then placement control is improved, but pumpability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement controlVSAvoidpumpability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The geopolymer suspension is designed to exhibit dynamic rheological behavior where its viscosity changes based on flow conditions. The carbohydrate-based fluid loss control additive contributes to this dynamic behavior, allowing the suspension to maintain appropriate viscosity for placement control while remaining pumpable under normal pumping conditions through shear-thinning or similar rheological characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The addition of the carbohydrate-based fluid loss control additive modifies the suspension's viscosity parameters and flow characteristics. This enables the suspension to achieve better placement control through optimized viscosity while maintaining pumpability, as the additive's specific rheological properties allow the system to balance between stability and flowability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If geopolymer suspension is used at high temperatures, then well cementing effectiveness is improved, but setting time control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewell cementing effectivenessVSAvoidsetting time control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The carbohydrate-based fluid loss control additive serves as an intermediary that influences the setting kinetics of the geopolymer suspension at high temperatures. It acts as a mediator between the heat and the setting reaction, allowing the suspension to maintain effective well cementing performance while providing better control over setting time through its thermal and chemical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent properties of the carbohydrate-based fluid loss control additive to modify the setting kinetics of the geopolymer suspension. This parameter change approach allows the suspension to maintain effective cementing at high temperatures while achieving controlled setting times, as the additive's thermal and chemical characteristics enable optimized reaction rates under varying temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 suspension effectively controls fluid loss and maintains pumpability, allowing for efficient placement and setting of geopolymer compositions in wellbore conditions, even at high temperatures, thereby enhancing cementing operations and preventing cementing failures.

Implementation Method 1

The suspension effectively controls fluid loss and maintains pumpability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGel formation: Gel

Implementation Method 2

Geopolymers are a novel class of materials that are formed by chemical dissolution and subsequent recondensation of various aluminosilicate oxides and silicates to form an amorphous three-dimensional framework structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical dissolution and recondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

A pumpable geopolymeric suspension is developed, comprising an aluminosilicate source, a carrier fluid, and a carbohydrate-based fluid loss control additive, such as carboxymethylcellulose or ethylcellulose, to maintain stability and prevent fluid loss during well cementing operations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity stabilization:

Data Source

PatentUS8535437B2Pumpable geopolymers comprising a fluid-loss agent
Publication Date: 2013.09.17 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

The invention concerns the use of a fluid loss control additive in a pumpable geopolymeric suspension for oil and/or gas industry applications, said suspension further comprising an aluminosilicate source, a carrier fluid, and an activator, and method of providing such a suspension in a borehole. In particular, the suspension according to the invention is used for well primary cementing operations and/or remedial applications.