Glucono Delta Lactone Acidizing Fluid Low-Temperature Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acidizing processes using acid precursors are inefficient at temperatures below 30°C, leading to slow acid generation and potential precipitation of calcium salts, which is problematic for low-temperature oilfield applications and requires long shut-in periods or increased costs for enzyme catalysts.
Innovation Solution
The use of glucono delta lactone as an acid precursor in combination with specific salts to prevent precipitation of alkaline earth metal salts of gluconic acid, allowing for effective acidizing at temperatures below 30°C without precipitation issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If formic acid precursors are used at temperatures below 30°C, then acid generation rate is improved, but treatment time becomes excessively long and cost increases due to enzyme requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure of the acid precursor from formic acid esters to gluconic acid esters, which have different hydrolysis characteristics that enable effective acid generation at low temperatures without requiring enzyme catalysts, thus reducing both time and cost
2Productivity
If formic acid precursors are used in dense formate brines, then acidizing effectiveness is improved, but calcium salt precipitation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of calcium precipitation into a benefit by using gluconic acid esters that form soluble calcium gluconate complexes, allowing the calcium to remain in solution and continue participating in the acidizing reaction rather than precipitating out
3Speed
If enzyme catalysts are added to accelerate acid generation at low temperatures, then acid generation rate is improved, but treatment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive enzyme catalysts with a chemically stable gluconic acid ester precursor that provides sustained acid generation through natural hydrolysis, eliminating the need for costly biological catalysts while maintaining effective treatment rates
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 approach enables faster acid generation and effective acidizing at low temperatures, preventing the precipitation of alkaline earth metal salts, thus reducing treatment times and environmental impact while maintaining process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the glucono delta lactone to hydrolyse to produce gluconic acid
Implementation Method 2
the treatment fluid comprises a dissolved salt effective for preventing precipitation of alkaline earth metal salts of gluconic acid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to in-situ acidizing processes that involve the dissolution of an acid-soluble material. Treatment fluids have been identified that can effectively dissolve acid-soluble materials at low temperatures, such as temperatures of 30° C. or lower. In some embodiments, the processes may also be usefully employed at higher temperatures. The processes and treatment fluids of the invention can advantageously be used to dissolve acid-soluble materials, including filter cakes, in underground formations.