GLDA-Based Filter Cake Clean-Up Fluid for Low-Temperature Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acid-based methods for removing filter cakes in subterranean treatment operations are corrosive, difficult to control, and can damage formations, especially at higher temperatures, while chelating agents like EDTA face solubility issues in brines and have temperature limitations.
Innovation Solution
A low-temperature filter cake clean-up fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and L-glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) is used to effectively degrade filter cakes, providing a biodegradable and non-corrosive solution that is stable across a wide pH range and temperature, allowing for controlled dissolution and dispersion of calcium carbonate and polymer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional acid-based methods are used to remove filter cakes, then the filter cake is effectively dissolved, but corrosion of metallic surfaces and damage to producing formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the clean-up fluid by using GLDA (a chelating agent) instead of conventional strong acids. This substitution fundamentally alters the dissolution mechanism from acid-based to chelation-based, maintaining effective filter cake removal while eliminating the corrosive effects and formation damage associated with traditional acid-based methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a biodegradable chelating agent (GLDA) that degrades harmlessly after use, replacing persistent and harmful strong acids. This approach allows for effective filter cake dissolution while the clean-up fluid itself breaks down without causing long-term environmental or formation damage
2Productivity
If strong acid is used to dissolve filter cake, then calcium carbonate is effectively removed, but premature dissolution in specific areas occurs and control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the kinetic parameters of the dissolution process by using GLDA, which provides a controlled and sustained chelation reaction. Unlike strong acids that react rapidly and uncontrollably, GLDA maintains a steady dissolution rate that can be easily managed during the clean-up operation, preventing premature or localized dissolution
Solution Approach 2:
The chelation mechanism of GLDA provides inherent feedback control where the dissolution rate is self-regulating based on the availability of calcium carbonate and the chelating agent concentration, allowing for predictable and controllable filter cake removal without the need for complex monitoring and adjustment systems
3Productivity
If chelating agents like EDTA are used to remove filter cake, then polymer degradation is achieved, but solubility issues in brines and temperature limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical stability parameters by selecting GLDA as the chelating agent. GLDA exhibits superior thermal stability and maintains its chelating effectiveness across a broader temperature range and in various brine compositions compared to EDTA, eliminating the solubility and temperature limitations that restrict the versatility of traditional chelating agents
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 GLDA-based clean-up fluid effectively removes filter cakes at low temperatures, reducing corrosion and environmental concerns, maintaining permeability, and is stable at high temperatures, ensuring even dissolution and dispersion without damaging clay minerals or forming precipitates.
Implementation Method 1
degrading the filter cake with a filter cake clean-up fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and L-glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid
Implementation Method 2
the purpose of the acid is to dissolve the acid-soluble materials in the filter cake (e.g., calcium carbonate)
Implementation Method 3
the purpose of the oxidizers and enzymes is to degrade the polymer within the filter cake deposited by various polymeric agents used in the drilling or drill-in fluids
Implementation Method 4
the purpose of the oxidizers and enzymes is to degrade the polymer within the filter cake
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising: (a) providing a filter cake on a surface in a subterranean formation, the filter cake comprising a polymer and a bridging agent; (b) providing a filter cake clean-up fluid that comprises an aqueous fluid and L-glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid; and (c) contacting the filter cake with the filter cake clean-up fluid so that a portion of the subterranean formation neighboring the filter cake has a regain permeability of at least about 86%.