Multi-grade Diverting Particulates for Wellbore Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean treatment methods face challenges in achieving uniform distribution of treatment fluids due to varying permeability and fluid flow resistance in formations, leading to preferential treatment of low-resistance areas over high-resistance areas, and existing degradable polymers are costly, have low availability, and undesirable dissolution kinetics.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-grade diverting particulates comprising degradable polymers of different grades, which are designed to plug perforations or bridge fractures, diverting treatment fluids to more resistant zones, and are suitable for use at low temperatures with improved dissolution kinetics and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If degradable polymers are used to divert treatment fluids, then uniform distribution of treatment fluid is achieved, but cost increases and availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The degradable polymer is segmented into multiple particles of different sizes (first size greater than second size) that can be injected separately. This segmentation allows the use of different polymer grades and sizes to optimize both diversion effectiveness and cost, addressing the contradiction between achieving uniform distribution and reducing material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the formation receive different particle sizes - larger particles for high-permeability zones requiring strong diversion, and smaller particles for low-permeability zones. This local differentiation optimizes treatment uniformity while allowing selective use of polymer materials based on formation characteristics, thereby managing costs.
2Manufacturing precision
If degradable polymers are used for diversion, then treatment uniformity improves, but dissolution kinetics become undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer system is segmented into particles of different sizes, where larger particles provide initial diversion structure and smaller particles fill gaps and provide finer control. This size distribution optimizes both the duration of diversion action and dissolution kinetics, allowing the system to maintain effectiveness longer while dissolving at controlled rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite particle systems combining different polymer grades and sizes in a single treatment fluid. This composite approach allows optimization of dissolution kinetics by selecting polymer compositions that dissolve at desired rates while maintaining diversion effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between treatment uniformity and dissolution behavior.
3Productivity
If treatment fluid is injected into high-permeability zones, then treatment of low-resistance areas is achieved, but uniform distribution throughout the interval is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
Larger polymer particles are injected first to establish diversion barriers in high-permeability zones before the treatment fluid is injected. This preliminary action blocks the high-resistance pathways, forcing subsequent treatment fluid to distribute more uniformly across the entire interval including low-permeability zones that would otherwise be undertreated.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing treatment fluid to naturally preferentially flow into high-permeability zones, the invention inverts the approach by using larger polymer particles to actively block these zones first, then injecting treatment fluid that is forced to distribute uniformly. This inversion of the natural flow pattern achieves the desired uniform treatment distribution.
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 multi-grade diverting particulates ensure uniform treatment fluid distribution by selectively blocking high-permeability zones, allowing treatment of low-permeability areas, and are easily removable after treatment, enhancing production efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a degradable polymer may be introduced into the wellbore and subsequently into the subterranean formation to bridge fractures and perforations to provide the diversion
Implementation Method 2
Oftentimes, it is preferable to remove the degradable polymers after the treatment is completed to ensure maximum flow of formation fluids into the wellbore
Implementation Method 3
The multi-grade diverting particulates comprising degradable polymers of different grades
Data Source
AI summary
A variety of methods, compositions, and systems are disclosed, including, a method comprising: introducing a treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation wherein the treatment fluid comprises: a base fluid; and multi-grade diverting particulates, wherein the multi-grade diverting particulates comprise a degradable polymer, wherein the degradable polymer comprises a first portion of the degradable polymer and a second portion of the degradable polymer of different grades, wherein the multi-grade diverting particulate at least partially plugs a zone in the subterranean formation; and diverting at least a portion of the treatment fluid and/or a subsequently introduced fluid away from the zone.