Hydrolyzable Particle Compositions for Oilfield Fluid Leak-Off Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatment fluids, particularly those with high solids content, face challenges in leak-off control, stability, and maintaining suitable rheological properties for effective pumping and permeability after placement in oilfield operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating fine hydrolyzable particles, such as polyester particles with specific particle size distributions, and submicron particles into treatment fluids to create an Apollonianistic solids mixture that inhibits fluid loss and enhances stability and permeability by forming a pack with high packed volume fraction, which can be degraded to increase porosity and permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high solids content is used in treatment fluids, then leak-off control is improved, but stability and rheological properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the solids content into multiple particle size distributions (bimodal, trimodal, or multimodal). The treatment fluid contains a first amount of particulates with a first PSD and a second amount of particulates with a second PSD, where the ratio of the volume-average median size of the first PSD to the second PSD is between 1.1 and 10. This segmentation allows different particle sizes to fulfill different functions: larger particles provide leak-off control while smaller particles maintain fluid stability and rheological properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by controlling the ratio of volume-average median sizes of different particle size distributions within a specific range (1.1 to 10). This parameter optimization enables the treatment fluid to achieve both high leak-off control and good stability simultaneously. The controlled size ratio ensures that particles neither settle too quickly nor cause excessive viscosity increase.
2Reliability
If high solids content is used in treatment fluids, then leak-off control is improved, but pumping efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmentation of particle sizes to improve pumping efficiency while maintaining leak-off control. The bimodal or multimodal PSD with a size ratio of 1.1 to 10 creates a more uniform flow profile and reduces particle aggregation, thereby lowering the viscosity and improving pumpability of the high solids content treatment fluid.
3Reliability
If high solids content is used in treatment fluids, then leak-off control is improved, but permeability of solids pack deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation with multiple particle size distributions where the size ratio is controlled between 1.1 and 10. This creates a more open and uniform pack structure with improved permeability. The smaller particles fill voids between larger particles without creating excessive compaction, maintaining both leak-off control and fluid flow capability through the 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
The use of hydrolyzable particles and submicron particles in treatment fluids improves leak-off control, stability, and permeability, allowing for efficient pumping and increased fluid production by forming a stable pack that can be selectively degraded to enhance porosity and permeability.
Implementation Method 1
fine hydrolyzable particles are present and/or used in a composition, treatment fluid or method
Data Source
AI summary
A composition, treatment fluid and method using hydrolyzable fines. A treatment fluid, which may optionally include a high solids content fluid (HSCF) and/or an Apollonianistic solids mixture, includes a fluid loss control agent comprising a dispersion of hydrolyzable fines, optionally with one or more of a surfactant, plasticizer, dispersant, degradable particles, reactive particles and/or submicron particles selected from silicates, γ-alumina, MgO, γ-Fe2O3, TiO2, and combinations thereof.