Methyl Acrylate Scale Removal for Oilfield Components

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for removing iron sulfide scale in the oilfield setting are ineffective due to its low water solubility and complex composition, and safer alternatives like acrolein are hazardous.

Innovation Solution

Compositions with a carbon-carbon double bond and an electron withdrawing group are used to break down iron sulfide into soluble components, offering safer and more effective removal with reduced corrosion and toxicity compared to strong acids or acrolein.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional chemicals like THPS or chelate sequestrants are used to remove iron sulfide scale, then the method is safer and easier to handle, but the removal effectiveness is limited due to the low water solubility and complex composition of iron sulfide scale

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the removal agent by using methyl acrylate, which has different chemical properties compared to conventional chemicals. Methyl acrylate provides effective removal of iron sulfide scale through its unique chemical structure and reactivity, achieving both effectiveness and safety without the harmful side effects of stronger acids or acrolein

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a safe, readily available chemical (methyl acrylate) that can be easily handled and disposed of, replacing hazardous chemicals like acrolein. The mild nature of methyl acrylate allows for safe operation while maintaining effective scale removal, eliminating the need for complex safety protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If strong inorganic or organic acids or acrolein are used to remove iron sulfide scale, then the removal effectiveness is improved, but the safety and handling requirements become extremely difficult due to high toxicity and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval effectivenessVSAvoidsafety and handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hazardous chemicals like acrolein and strong acids with methyl acrylate, which is safer, cheaper, and easier to handle. Methyl acrylate maintains effective removal capability while eliminating the extreme safety concerns associated with traditional chemicals, making the operation much more feasible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Methyl acrylate acts as an intermediary substance that effectively removes iron sulfide scale without requiring the extreme conditions needed by stronger acids or acrolein. It provides a moderate, controlled chemical reaction that achieves the desired removal effect with far fewer safety hazards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional chemicals are used to remove iron sulfide scale, then the operation is safer, but the removal effectiveness is limited and production improvement is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction improvementVSAvoidtoxicity and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical approach by introducing methyl acrylate, which fundamentally alters how iron sulfide scale is removed. This chemical parameter change enables more effective removal of the complex scale composition, directly improving production while avoiding the harmful effects of traditional chemicals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 compositions achieve at least 80% removal of iron sulfide scale from oilfield components, improving equipment performance and oil/gas well production by dissolving iron sulfide into a removal mixture, while being safer than conventional methods.

Implementation Method 1

Compositions with a carbon-carbon double bond and an electron withdrawing group are used to break down iron sulfide into soluble components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

dissolving iron sulfide into a removal mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS10584275B2Compositions, systems, and methods for removing iron sulfide scale from oilfield components using methyl acrylate

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to compositions, systems and methods for removing iron sulfide scale from a solid object, such as an oilfield component. The compositions include a carbon-carbon (C—C) double bond with an electron withdrawing group bonded to at least one of the double-bonded carbons.