MXene Fluid Reinforcement of Carbonate Formations Against Embedment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stimulation operations such as hydraulic fracturing and matrix acidizing in subterranean formations, particularly those comprising carbonate minerals, face issues like proppant embedment and weakening of asperities, leading to reduced mechanical integrity and decreased hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
Introduce MXene flakes into subterranean formations, depositing them on the surface and within pores of carbonate minerals to enhance mechanical strength, using carrier fluids for uniform dispersion and bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydraulic fracturing is performed to increase permeability, then hydrocarbon production is improved, but proppant embedment occurs reducing fracture width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coating material applied to proppants before injection into the fracture. This coating acts as an intermediary layer between the proppant and the formation matrix, preventing direct mechanical interaction that causes embedment while allowing the proppant to maintain its positioning function in the fracture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of proppants by applying a coating that changes their physical and chemical parameters. This coating alters the friction, adhesion, and mechanical interaction characteristics between proppants and the formation, thereby preventing embedment without compromising the proppant's ability to hold the fracture open.
2Productivity
If matrix acidizing is performed to generate flow channels, then permeability is increased, but mechanical integrity of the formation matrix is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system consisting of acidizing fluid combined with reactive precursors that polymerize in situ to form a strengthening phase. This creates a composite structure within the formation matrix where the acid-generated pores provide permeability while the polymerized phase maintains mechanical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies coating materials to proppants and/or formation surfaces before the acidizing process. This preliminary coating protects the formation matrix from excessive weakening by the acid while still allowing the acid to generate the desired pore structure and permeability enhancement.
3Productivity
If acids are used in acid-fracturing operations to increase permeability, then flow channels are created, but fracture asperities are weakened leading to fracture closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coating materials as an intermediary protective layer on proppants and fracture surfaces during acid-fracturing operations. This coating mediates the interaction between the acid and the formation, allowing acid to create flow channels while protecting the fracture asperities from weakening and subsequent closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies protective coatings and reactive precursors to proppants and formation surfaces before injecting the acid-fracturing fluid. This preliminary action ensures that when the acid contacts the formation, the asperities are already protected or will be rapidly strengthened, preventing the weakening and closure that would otherwise occur.
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
MXene flakes increase the mechanical strength of carbonate minerals, reducing proppant embedment and strengthening fracture asperities, thereby maintaining permeability and enhancing hydrocarbon production.
Implementation Method 1
depositing at least a portion of the MXene flakes upon a surface of the carbonate mineral, within a plurality of pores of the carbonate mineral
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of MXene flakes are dispersed in a carrier fluid when introduced into the subterranean formation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for increasing the mechanical strength of subterranean formations using MXene-containing fluids may include introducing a plurality of MXene flakes into a subterranean formation comprising a carbonate mineral; and depositing at least a portion of the MXene flakes upon a surface of the carbonate mineral, within a plurality of pores of the carbonate mineral, or any combination thereof to increase a mechanical strength of the carbonate mineral.