HMAP Coated Particulates Mitigate Scale Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scale buildup in subterranean formations and production equipment during hydrocarbon production leads to reduced permeability and equipment corrosion, requiring costly and time-consuming remedial operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of hydrophobically modified amine-containing polymers (HMAPs) to coat surfaces and particulates, inhibiting scale formation and reducing the frequency of remedial operations by forming a protective barrier against mineral deposits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scale buildup occurs in subterranean formation and production equipment, then mineral deposits accumulate on surfaces, but permeability decreases and equipment lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer coating is applied to equipment surfaces and proppant particles before scale can form, creating a preventive protective barrier that stops mineral deposits from adhering to surfaces in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
A polymer coating acts as an intermediary layer between the scale-forming environment and the equipment surfaces, preventing direct contact and adhesion between scale minerals and metal surfaces
2Ease of operation
If remedial operations are performed to remove scale buildup, then scale is cleaned from equipment, but operations are time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer coating is applied in advance to prevent scale accumulation, eliminating or reducing the need for subsequent time-consuming remedial cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The protective coating continuously self-regenerates and maintains itself on equipment surfaces, providing ongoing scale prevention without requiring external intervention or maintenance operations
3Productivity
If scale buildup occurs in formation, then mineral deposits accumulate, but permeability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Proppant particles are pre-coated with the polymer before being placed in fractures, creating immediate protection that prevents scale from blocking flow paths and maintains permeability throughout production
Solution Approach 2:
A thin flexible polymer film coats the proppant particles, creating a low-friction surface that prevents scale adhesion while maintaining the structural integrity and flow-conducting properties of the proppant pack
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
HMAPs effectively mitigate scale buildup, maintaining formation permeability and extending equipment lifespan by reducing the need for frequent and costly scale removal operations.
Implementation Method 1
HMAPs effectively mitigate scale buildup, maintaining formation permeability
Implementation Method 2
hydrophobically modified amine-containing polymers (HMAPs) to coat surfaces and particulates
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrophobically modified amine-containing polymers (“HMAP”) may be useful in mitigating scale buildup in a subterranean formation. For example, a method may include preparing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and a plurality of HMAP-coated particulates that comprise particulates at least partially coated with an HMAP, wherein the HMAP comprises a plurality of hydrophobic modifications on an amine-containing polymer; introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; forming a particulate pack that comprises at least some of the HMAP-coated particulates; and inhibiting scale buildup on the HMAP-coated particulates.