Low pH Acidic Stimulation Additive for High-Temperature Well Operations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current well stimulation and stuck pipe additives in the oil and gas industry often pose environmental and health hazards, are not heat tolerant, and require costly disposal, while existing drilling fluids face limitations in deep well operations and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A low pH acidic composition (LpHAC) is used as a non-toxic, environmentally acceptable additive in both water-based and oil-based systems, combined with a proppant, to fracture subterranean formations and release stuck pipes, maintaining stability under high temperatures and pressures without harming humans or the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional well stimulation additives (harsh acids, caustic, combustible liquids) are used, then well productivity is increased, but environmental harm and health hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the stimulation additive by using biodegradable sulfonated castor oil instead of traditional harsh acids and caustic substances. This substitution maintains the well stimulation functionality while eliminating environmental harm and health hazards associated with conventional additives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a biodegradable additive that breaks down naturally after use, eliminating the need for costly disposal procedures. The biodegradable sulfonated castor oil serves its purpose and then decomposes, avoiding long-term environmental contamination and disposal costs
2Productivity
If traditional drilling fluids are used in deep well operations, then drilling capability is maintained, but environmental impact increases and disposal costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses biodegradable drilling fluids that naturally decompose after use, eliminating the need for expensive disposal operations. The biodegradable formulation allows the drilling fluid to perform its function in deep well operations and then break down harmlessly in the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of drilling fluid disposal into a benefit by using biodegradable materials that naturally decompose. What would traditionally be a harmful waste product becomes an environmentally benign substance that breaks down naturally, eliminating disposal costs and environmental liability
3Reliability
If existing stuck pipe additives are used, then pipe release is achieved, but heat tolerance is insufficient and disposal costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the thermal parameters of the stuck pipe additive by using sulfonated castor oil, which maintains its effectiveness at high temperatures where traditional additives fail. This chemical modification enables the additive to withstand downhole temperatures and maintain pipe release functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a biodegradable stuck pipe additive that eliminates costly disposal requirements. The sulfonated castor oil breaks down naturally after facilitating pipe release, even in high-temperature environments, avoiding the need for expensive specialized disposal procedures
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 LpHAC composition effectively increases well productivity, reduces downtime, and allows for on-site disposal of drill cuttings, meeting regulatory guidelines while being safe for humans and the environment, and maintains effectiveness in high-temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
effective in fracturing a subterranean formation by reacting with limestone, silica, dolomite, shale and the like which are found in oil and gas producing zones
Implementation Method 2
maintaining stability under high temperatures and pressures
Implementation Method 3
The fracturing of the reservoir rock and the subsequent filling of the fractured voids with sand ('proppant') or the creation of acid channels allows for an enhanced conduit to the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous or oil-based mixture containing a non-toxic, low pH, antimicrobial, acidic composition having a pH between approximately 0.5 and approximately 3.5 with and without a proppant is used as a subterranean well stimulation additive. Without a proppant, the LpHAC stimulation additive is used for acidization. In another embodiment, with a proppant, the LpHAC stimulation fluid is used in hydraulic fracturing. As a well stimulation fluid, it involves the injection of specially engineered fluids and other materials into the well bore at rates that actually cause the cracking or fracturing of the reservoir formation to create fissures or cracks in the formation to increase fluid flow of underground resources from the reservoir into the well bore.