Heavy-Atom Resin Formulation for Subterranean Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resin systems used in subterranean well servicing often experience density instability due to thermal thinning, leading to settling of weighting agents and non-homogeneous density gradients, particularly in slow curing formulations without curing accelerators.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating molecules with heavy atoms, such as halogens, into the resin or hardening agents to increase the molecular weight and density of the fluid composition, eliminating the need for solid particulate weighting agents and ensuring a homogeneous density throughout the curing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If solid particulate weighting agents are used in slow curing resin formulations, then density can be controlled, but thermal thinning causes settling and density gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the resin system by incorporating heavy atom-containing compounds (such as brominated or iodinated resins) to increase density. It also modifies the curing kinetics by adding curing accelerators to reduce thickening time, thereby preventing settling while maintaining homogeneity throughout the curing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite resin systems that combine heavy atom-containing resin compounds with curing accelerators. This composite approach allows the resin to achieve both high density (from heavy atoms) and stability against settling (from accelerated curing that reduces thickening time), resolving the contradiction between density control and compositional homogeneity.
2Ease of operation
If resin pot life is extended for proper placement, then placement control improves, but density instability increases due to prolonged thickening times
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically adjusts the curing kinetics by incorporating curing accelerators that allow the resin to maintain proper viscosity for placement control initially, then rapidly progress through the thickening phase to reach a stable cured state. This dynamic control prevents settling during the critical placement window while ensuring complete curing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the time-temperature-rheology parameters by using curing accelerators that modify the thickening curve. The resin maintains operable viscosity longer for placement control, then rapidly increases in viscosity and completes curing, preventing density instability while preserving placement accuracy.
3Quantity of substance
If heavy atom molecules are incorporated into resin, then density increases and weighting agents are eliminated, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of density provision (heavy atoms) and resin matrix formation into a single integrated compound. Heavy atom-containing resin molecules serve both as the structural resin and as the density-providing weighting mechanism, eliminating the need for separate particulate weighting agents and simplifying the overall formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy atom-containing resin compounds perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the resin matrix structure, provide the required density through heavy atoms, and participate in the curing reaction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate weighting agents and reduces formulation complexity despite the specialized chemistry required.
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 atomically-weighted resin systems provides a stable, high-density resin composition that remains homogeneous, offering improved placement control and performance in well servicing operations without the need for additional weighting agents, enhancing the resin's stability and viscosity.
Implementation Method 1
in some slow curing formulations, dispersions of these weighting agents in resin can become physically unstable due to thermal thinning of resins
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid composition comprising: (A) a liquid hardenable resin component comprising a resin; and (B) a hardening agent component comprising a hardening agent for the resin; wherein at least one of the resin or the hardening agent comprises a molecule having at least one heavy atom. The substitution of one or more heavy atoms that have a higher atomic weight than the other atoms of the molecule, increases the molecular mass of the resin or hardening agent, and hence, the density of the fluid composition. A method of treating a treatment zone of a well, the method comprising: introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore; and allowing the treatment fluid to form a hardened mass the well bore.