Imide Surfactant Continuous Acid Emulsification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acidizing fluid preparation methods for carbonate formations require lengthy batch mixing processes, leading to ineffective well stimulation due to poor emulsification, excessive corrosion, and inability to adjust acid blends on-site, posing operational inefficiencies and environmental hazards.
Innovation Solution
A continuous method using an imide compound as a surfactant to emulsify acidizing agents in hydrocarbon fluids, reducing mixing times, chemical concentrations, and equipment costs, while allowing for on-the-fly adjustments and improved emulsification stability at high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a batch mixing process is used to prepare acidizing fluid, then emulsion stability at downhole conditions is achieved, but preparation time is excessively long (3-4 hours for 500 barrel tank)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous mixing process where acidizing fluid is prepared on-demand through continuous injection of acid into a circulating hydrocarbon base fluid system, eliminating the batch mixing approach that requires lengthy standing times. The continuous circulation and mixing ensures immediate emulsion formation without the 3-4 hour preparation and stabilization time required by batch processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-mixes the surfactant with the hydrocarbon base fluid before acid injection, creating a pre-formulated emulsifying system ready for immediate acid incorporation. This preliminary preparation of the surfactant-hydrocarbon mixture ensures that the emulsion can form rapidly when acid is introduced, eliminating the need for lengthy batch mixing and stabilization periods.
2Reliability
If a batch mixing process is used to ensure fluid stability, then emulsion stability is achieved, but field operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous mixing process allows acidizing fluid to be prepared on-demand in the field without requiring lengthy batch mixing operations. Acid is continuously injected into circulating hydrocarbon base fluid containing surfactant, enabling immediate deployment and significantly improving field operational efficiency while maintaining emulsion stability through continuous circulation and mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables field personnel to prepare acidizing fluid on-site through simple continuous injection and circulation operations, eliminating the need for pre-prepared batch mixtures that require lengthy stabilization time. The surfactant-hydrocarbon system self-emulsifies the acid continuously as it is injected, providing immediate readiness for well stimulation operations.
3Reliability
If batch mixing is used to create stable emulsion, then proper emulsification is achieved, but chemical concentrations and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous mixing process maintains surfactant at optimized low concentrations in the circulating hydrocarbon base fluid, where the surfactant continuously emulsifies acid as it is injected. This eliminates the need for higher surfactant concentrations required in batch processes to ensure stability during lengthy mixing periods, reducing overall chemical usage while maintaining effective emulsification.
4Reliability
If batch mixing process is used, then emulsion stability is achieved, but environmental hazards increase due to waste fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous mixing process prepares only the required amount of acidizing fluid on-demand, eliminating the large volumes of waste fluid generated by batch mixing operations that require lengthy preparation and stabilization times. Acid is continuously injected and immediately emulsified in the circulating system, reducing waste and environmental exposure while maintaining emulsion stability through continuous circulation.
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 significantly reduces preparation time, minimizes environmental exposure and costs, and enables stable emulsification of acidizing fluids at elevated temperatures, enhancing well stimulation efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a surfactant composition comprising an imide compound in an optional solvent for use in a hydrocarbon base fluid to improve the emulsification of an acidizing agent in the hydrocarbon base fluid
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present technology provides a surfactant composition comprising an imide compound in an optional solvent for use in a hydrocarbon base fluid to improve the emulsification of an acidizing agent in the hydrocarbon base fluid. In another embodiment, the present technology provides a method of employing an acidizing well-bore stimulation fluid containing the surfactant composition to stimulate a reservoir.