Modified Biopolymer Hydrogel Particles for Subterranean Fluid Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional additives used in subterranean well treatments for controlling fluid flow are often toxic, poorly degradable, and require costly disposal procedures, and may necessitate specific chemical treatments or high temperatures for removal, posing environmental and economic challenges.

Innovation Solution

The use of modified biopolymers, specifically crosslinked hydrogel particles with biopolymer backbones and synthetic side chains, which can absorb and retain large amounts of water to form barriers in subterranean formations, controlling fluid flow without the environmental drawbacks of traditional additives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional additives are used for conformance treatments and fluid loss control, then fluid flow control is achieved, but environmental harm and disposal costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow control effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental harm from toxic additives

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the additives by using modified biopolymers with specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino) instead of conventional toxic additives. This parameter change maintains the fluid flow control effectiveness while eliminating the harmful environmental effects, as the biopolymers are biodegradable and non-toxic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials by combining biopolymer backbones with synthetic side chains to create modified biopolymers that possess both the desired functional properties for fluid control and the environmental benefits of biodegradability. This composite approach allows the material to achieve the required performance while being environmentally friendly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional additives are used for conformance treatments, then fluid diversion is achieved, but removal complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid diversion effectivenessVSAvoidease of additive removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical stability parameters of the additives by using biopolymers that are inherently less stable and more susceptible to degradation. These modified biopolymers can be easily broken down by biological processes, chemical treatment, or thermal degradation, making them much easier to remove from the formation compared to conventional crosslinked polymer compositions that require harsh removal conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If crosslinked polymer compositions are used to plug water zones, then water production is reduced, but treatment complexity and disposal costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon production efficiencyVSAvoidtreatment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the molecular structure parameters by using modified biopolymers with controlled crosslinking density and specific functional groups. These parameter changes allow the material to effectively plug water zones and improve hydrocarbon production while maintaining simpler treatment processes and easier disposal compared to conventional crosslinked polymers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies the principle of using biodegradable materials that can be easily disposed of after serving their purpose. The modified biopolymers perform their function of controlling fluid flow and improving production, then can be naturally degraded or easily removed, eliminating the long-term complexity and costs associated with permanent conventional additives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 modified biopolymer hydrogel particles effectively seal water-producing zones, divert treatment fluids, and control fluid loss, while being environmentally friendly and easily removable, reducing economic losses associated with water production in hydrocarbon wells.

Implementation Method 1

the modified biopolymer may comprise a biopolymer backbone and synthetic side chains derived from synthetic monomers... which can absorb and retain large amounts of water to form barriers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

crosslinked hydrogel particles with biopolymer backbones and synthetic side chains, which can absorb and retain large amounts of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwelling: Hydrogel

Data Source

PatentUS11286413B2Modified biopolymers for diversion, conformance, and fluid loss control

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Well treatments that use modified biopolymers for diversion, conformance, fluid loss control, and/or other well treatments, including a method of providing conformance, fluid loss control, or diversion in a subterranean formation, may include providing a treatment fluid including a base fluid and hydrogel particles which may include modified biopolymers that are crosslinked, the modified biopolymers may include a biopolymer backbone and side chains derived from synthetic monomers; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore.