Hydrating Polymer Coated Proppants for Fracturing Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil well fracturing methods require extensive energy, time, and resources for mixing and incorporating polymers into fracturing fluids, which hinders efficiency and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a substrate, such as sand or ceramic sand, coated with a hydrating polymer that absorbs water and reduces friction, allowing for immediate mixing and transport within the fracturing fluid, thereby reducing the need for extensive mixing and energy input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymers are incorporated into fracturing fluids using conventional mixing methods, then the fracturing fluid achieves desired viscosity and propping properties, but extensive energy, time, and resources are consumed for mixing and incorporation
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer is pre-coated onto the proppant particles before injection, so that when the proppant is injected into the fracturing fluid, the polymer is already in position to provide the desired viscosity and propping properties without requiring extensive post-injection mixing
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrating polymer on the proppant surface hydrates automatically upon contact with the fracturing fluid, self-regulating the polymer incorporation process without requiring external mixing energy input
2Productivity
If polymers are pre-coated on substrate particles, then mixing time and energy are reduced, but the complexity of preparing the coated particles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer coating process utilizes controlled hydration parameters, where the polymer is applied in a dry or low-moisture state and then hydrates in situ upon contact with the fracturing fluid, simplifying the coating process while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The proppant particles are created as composite structures with a substrate core and a polymer coating layer, combining the mechanical strength of the substrate with the viscosity-enhancing properties of the polymer in a single integrated material
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 method enhances the flow and distribution of proppants within the fracturing fluid, increasing the efficiency of fracturing operations by reducing settling and improving the ability of proppants to maintain open fractures, thus enhancing oil production.
Implementation Method 1
coated with a hydrating polymer that absorbs water
Implementation Method 2
reduces friction, allowing for immediate mixing and transport within the fracturing fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improving the performance of fracturing processes in oil production fields may rely on polymer coated particles carried in the fracturing fluid. The particles may include heavy substrates, such as sand, ceramic sand, or the like coated with polymers selected to absorb water, increasing the area and volume to travel more readily with the flow of fluid without settling out, or allowing the substrate to settle out. Ultimately, the substrate may become lodged in the fissures formed by the pressure or hydraulic fracturing, resulting in propping open of the fissures for improved productivity.