Thermally Stable Microgels via Micellar Radical Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymerization processes for modifying rheology and filtrate control in hydrocarbon exploration and production operations result in microgels with limited polymer content, complex recovery methods, and low stability at high temperatures, making them unsuitable for prolonged use in oil exploration and production where high temperatures are common.
Innovation Solution
A process involving micellar radical polymerization in an aqueous medium with hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers, crosslinking monomers, and a radical polymerization initiator, followed by crushing to form dispersible particles, producing crosslinked polymers with improved thermal stability and controlled molecular mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polymerization processes are used to produce microgels, then the microgels can be obtained, but they have relatively low stability at high temperatures (above 100°C or 150°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer by incorporating hydrophobic sequences (alkyl chains with 4-22 carbon atoms) into the hydrophilic polymer structure. This compositional modification enables the microgels to maintain stability at temperatures above 100°C and even 150°C, resolving the thermal stability limitation of conventional microgels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymer structures combining hydrophilic segments (for water solubility and gel formation) with hydrophobic segments (for thermal stability). This amphiphilic composite architecture allows the microgels to resist thermal degradation while maintaining their functional properties in aqueous environments
2Quantity of substance
If reverse emulsion polymerization is used, then microgels can be produced, but the polymer content is relatively limited (dilute microgels)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional reverse emulsion approach by performing polymerization directly in the aqueous phase rather than in the oil phase. This inversion allows for higher polymer concentrations to be achieved while simplifying the production process, as the hydrophilic monomers polymerize directly in water to form concentrated microgels without requiring complex phase transfer steps
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional microgel production methods are used, then microgels are obtained, but complex recovery methods or treatment with organic solvents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the organic solvent step from the conventional microgel production process by performing polymerization directly in the aqueous phase. The hydrophilic monomers and resulting polymers remain in the aqueous phase throughout the process, eliminating the need for organic solvent treatment and simplifying recovery to basic filtration or centrifugation steps
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 process yields thermally stable microgels with enhanced stability and high polymer concentrations, suitable for use at elevated temperatures without composition adjustments, facilitating effective rheology and filtrate control in hydrocarbon extraction.
Implementation Method 1
a polymerization step (E) in which the following are brought into contact, within an aqueous medium (M): monomers (m1), solubilized or dispersed in said aqueous medium (M), called hydrophilic monomers; monomers (m2) in the form of a micellar solution... at least one radical polymerization initiator... preferably, at least one radical polymerization control agent
Implementation Method 2
monomers (m2) in the form of a micellar solution, namely containing, in the dispersed state within the medium (M), micelles comprising these monomers (m2)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of oil extraction. More specifically, it concerns a particular polymerisation method that gives access to formulations of polymers that can be used, in particular, for modifying rheology and filtrate control during extraction operations and that have improved thermal stability.