Metal Oxide Chelate Fluid for Zonal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatment fluids for subterranean formations face challenges such as fluid loss, zonal isolation, thermal conductivity, and the difficulty in removing or replacing materials like cement compositions and proppants, which affect the efficiency and sustainability of wellbore operations.
Innovation Solution
A treatment fluid comprising a metal oxide capable of forming a chelate or coordination complex with a ligand, which sets quickly and can be used for various applications including fluid-loss control, zonal isolation, and thermal insulation, allowing for improved binding and removal properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cement compositions or proppants are used for zonal isolation or fracture support, then structural integrity is improved, but removal and replacement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the solubility characteristics of metal oxides in specific pH conditions. The treatment fluid maintains metal oxides in a dissolved state during injection, then induces precipitation through pH adjustment or chemical reaction to form the desired structural integrity. This reversible parameter change enables both strong bonding and subsequent removal through chemical treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining metal oxides with ligands to form coordination complexes or chelates. These composite structures provide both the structural integrity needed for zonal isolation and fracture support, and the chemical reactivity required for removal. The composite nature allows tuning of properties to achieve both strength and removability.
2Productivity
If treatment fluids are introduced for subterranean formation treatment, then operational efficiency is improved, but fluid loss into the formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing the treatment fluid containing metal oxides before the main operational procedure. The metal oxides precipitate and form a barrier or modify the formation properties in advance, preventing fluid loss during subsequent operations. This preliminary modification of the formation ensures both operational efficiency and fluid retention.
3Temperature
If materials are used for thermal insulation in wellbores, then thermal protection is improved, but material removal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using metal oxides that can be introduced in a soluble form, deposited as thermal insulation material, and then removed through chemical parameter changes such as pH adjustment or complexing agent addition. This enables thermal protection during operation and simplified removal afterward through chemical treatment.
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 chelate or coordination complex exhibits enhanced properties like rapid setting and compressive strength, enabling effective fluid retention, zonal isolation, and thermal insulation, while being potentially removable and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
a metal oxide capable of forming a chelate complex or coordination complex with a ligand
Implementation Method 2
the chelate complex or coordination complex has a setting time of less than 90 minutes
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment fluid comprises: a metal oxide, wherein the metal oxide is capable of forming a chelate complex or coordination complex with a ligand, wherein the chelate complex or coordination complex has a setting time of less than 90 minutes at a temperature of 71° F. and a pressure of 1 atmosphere. A method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprises: introducing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation; allowing or causing a chelate complex or coordination complex to form between the metal oxide and a ligand; and allowing or causing the chelate complex or coordination complex to set.