Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Slurry Formulation for Faster Polymer Dissolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic fracturing fluids face challenges with reduced friction reduction and prolonged polymer dissolution times due to high divalent ions in water, particularly when reusing fracturing fluid or formation water, leading to increased operational costs and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating specific anionic surfactants into fracturing fluids to enhance friction reduction and accelerate polymer dissolution, using formulations that include anionic surfactants like dodecylbenzene sulfonate and MEA salt to improve the performance of polyacrylamide-based polymers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polyacrylamide-based polymers are used for friction reduction in fracturing fluids, then friction reduction performance is improved, but polymer dissolution time increases when divalent ions are present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction reduction performanceVSAvoidpolymer dissolution time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces divalent ion chelating agents as intermediary substances that bind to divalent ions (Ca2+, Mg2+) in the water, preventing these ions from interacting with and degrading the polyacrylamide polymer chains. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by eliminating the harmful ion-polymer interaction that causes slow dissolution while preserving the polymer's friction reduction capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical environment parameters by adding chelating agents that alter the ionic composition of the fluid. By changing the availability and concentration of divalent ions through chelation, the polymer dissolution kinetics are improved without sacrificing friction reduction performance, thus resolving the time-performance contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If fracturing fluid is reused or formation water is used, then operational costs are reduced, but friction reduction performance decreases due to high divalent ion content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational costVSAvoidfriction reduction performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Divalent ion chelating agents serve as intermediary substances that selectively bind to divalent ions in reused fracturing fluid or formation water, preventing these ions from degrading polymer performance. This allows the use of cost-effective water sources while maintaining friction reduction efficacy through chemical mediation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of divalent ions (which normally degrade polymer performance) into a manageable condition by using chelating agents to control ion-polymer interactions. This enables the use of economically advantageous water sources that would otherwise be detrimental to friction reduction performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If high molecular weight polyacrylamide polymers are used, then friction reduction is optimized, but dissolution speed decreases in water with divalent ions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction reduction optimizationVSAvoiddissolution speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Chelating agents act as intermediaries that protect high molecular weight polymer chains from divalent ion-induced degradation during dissolution. By sequestering divalent ions, these intermediaries enable rapid dissolution of high MW polymers while maintaining their friction reduction optimization capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides enhanced friction reduction and faster polymer dissolution, allowing for higher pump rates and reduced operational costs by optimizing fluid properties under challenging water conditions.

Implementation Method 1

polymer reduces turbulent flow of the fluid. This allows for a reduction in pumping pressure and a potential increase in pump rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the polymer hydrates and dissolves in water as fast as possible

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS12428593B2Hydraulic fracturing fluids and methods of use with friction reducer slurry formulation

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 INDEPENDENCE OILFIELD CHEMICALS LLC

AI summary

A method of preparing a fracturing fluid for hydraulic fracturing in unconventional reservoirs such as coal beds, sandstones, and shales. The method includes selecting an anionic surfactant, such as an anionic sulphonate surfactant; and contacting the anionic surfactant with a fracturing fluid or with a precursor of said fracturing fluid. The fracturing fluid may further include friction reducing polymers and a booster formulation that provides enhanced polymer performance for increased friction reduction as well as faster polymer dissolution in the fracturing fluid.