Subterranean Metal-Polymer Complex Remediation via Polyol Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fracturing fluids interact with naturally occurring metals in subterranean formations, leading to persistent deposition and formation damage, which decreases oil and gas permeability and production.
Innovation Solution
A completion/stimulation/production fluid blend including a polyol, a natural or artificial sugar, or a combination thereof, is used to remediate and retard the formation of subterranean metal-polymer complexes by interacting with metals to form soluble and sparingly soluble metal complexes, inhibiting formation damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polymer systems are used in fracturing fluids to maintain fracture openness, then proppant suspension and fracture conductivity are improved, but metal-polymer complex deposition occurs leading to formation damage and decreased permeability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator substance that selectively binds to metal ions in the fracturing fluid, preventing them from interacting with polymer systems. This intermediary agent captures metals before they can form damaging complexes with the polymer, thereby maintaining fracture conductivity while preventing formation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the fracturing fluid by adjusting pH levels, ionic strength, or introducing chelating agents that alter metal ion availability. These parameter changes prevent metal-polymer complex formation while preserving the desired fracture conductivity and proppant suspension properties.
2Duration of action of moving object
If crosslinking agents are introduced to enhance fluid viscosity and fracture support, then fracture openness is improved, but persistent metal-polymer deposition occurs causing formation damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful interaction between crosslinking agents and metals into a beneficial process by controlling the timing and conditions of crosslinking. By using staged crosslinking or controlled-release mechanisms, the harmful persistent deposition is converted into controlled gelation that provides temporary fracture support without long-term formation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protection measures by introducing metal-sequestering agents before crosslinking occurs. This preliminary action prevents metals from participating in unwanted crosslinking reactions, ensuring that the crosslinking process enhances fracture openness without creating persistent damaging complexes.
3Productivity
If conventional polymer systems are used to carry proppant to fractures, then proppant transport is improved, but interaction with naturally occurring metals causes deposition and decreased oil and gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance that preferentially binds to naturally occurring metals in the formation, preventing them from interacting with the polymer system during proppant transport. This mediator allows efficient proppant delivery while blocking the harmful metal-polymer interaction that would otherwise occur in the fracture network.
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 effectively disperses and solubilizes metal-polymer complexes, preventing formation damage and enhancing oil and gas production by inhibiting metal deposition and reversing existing damage.
Implementation Method 1
the injection mixture includes a polyol, a natural sugar, an artificial sugar, or a combination thereof... interacting with metals to form soluble and sparingly soluble metal complexes
Data Source
AI summary
A completion/stimulation/production fluid and injection mixture blend is disclosed. The blend may include an aqueous fluid, a polymer system and an injection mixture that includes a polyol, a natural sugar, an artificial sugar, or a combination thereof.