Modified Reactive Resin Coating for Proppant Fracture Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proppant coatings for hydraulic fracturing are brittle and prone to fracturing under high pressure, leading to reduced oil or gas production due to the release of fine particles that block cracks, and existing solutions are costly and complex to implement.
Innovation Solution
A modified reactive resin composition comprising 80%-99.5% reactive resin and 0.5%-20% linear or cyclic organopolysiloxane, which provides improved hardness and elasticity, reducing the tendency of coatings to fracture or flake off, and can be formulated to remain free-flowing for easier application and partial curing during fracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thermally curing reactive resins are admixed with block copolymers and adhesion promoters to improve impact resistance, then the toughness of the coating is improved, but the cost increases and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of block copolymer (toughness improver), adhesion promoter, and reactive resin into a single integrated coating composition. The organopolysiloxane-modified reactive resin simultaneously provides adhesion, toughness, and crosslinking capability, eliminating the need for separate additives and simplifying the coating process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite coating material by chemically modifying the reactive resin with organopolysiloxane. This composite structure combines the crosslinking and hardness properties of reactive resin with the flexibility and toughness of organopolysiloxane, achieving improved impact resistance through material composition rather than process complexity.
2Strength
If multiple resins and fillers are used to improve coating stability, then the compressive strength is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple resins and fillers into a single organopolysiloxane-modified reactive resin composition. This integrated approach provides reinforcement, adhesion, and compressive strength through the modified resin structure itself, eliminating the need for separate filler addition steps and multiple resin components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the reactive resin by introducing organopolysiloxane modification. This parameter change alters the molecular structure to inherently provide the reinforcement and mechanical properties that would otherwise require additional fillers and complex multi-resin formulations.
3Reliability
If conventional organic resins are used for coating proppants, then the coating provides some stability, but the coating remains brittle and prone to fracturing under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite resin system by chemically modifying conventional organic reactive resin with organopolysiloxane. This composite material combines the crosslinking density and hardness of conventional resins with the flexibility and fracture resistance of siloxane structures, eliminating brittleness while maintaining coating stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition and molecular structure of the reactive resin through organopolysiloxane modification. This parameter change transforms the brittle network structure into a more flexible, fracture-resistant structure that can withstand high pressure without flaking or fracturing.
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 coated proppants exhibit enhanced fracture resistance, toughness, and elasticity, maintaining stability under high pressures and impacts, thereby extending the flow of oil or gas and reducing the need for new wells or refracking, with economic and environmental benefits.
Implementation Method 1
The coated proppants exhibit enhanced fracture resistance, toughness, and elasticity, maintaining stability under high pressures and impacts
Implementation Method 2
thermally curing reactive resins, for example epoxy resins
Data Source
AI summary
Proppant particles coated with a resin system containing a reactive resin and an organopolysiloxane having at least three successive siloxy units and at least one pendent or terminal group which contains at least four atoms selected from C, N, P, O, and S, exhibit higher degrees of coating and decreased fracture and release of fines at high pressure, thus enhancing fracking performance.