Nanocellulose Foam Stabilizing Additive for Cement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foamed cement compositions face issues with compressive strength reduction due to surfactants and foam stabilizers, which can lead to gelation and environmental concerns, limiting their effectiveness in subterranean applications.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating nanocellulose foam stabilizing additives, such as nanofibril cellulose, to enhance foam stability and resistance to destabilization mechanisms, while maintaining a suitable density for subterranean use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional foaming agents and foam stabilizers are used, then foam stability is improved, but compressive strength of the set cement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoam stabilityVSAvoidcompressive strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using specific surfactant formulations (anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric) combined with nanocellulose additives. This parameter change allows achieving foam stability without the compressive strength reduction typically caused by conventional foam stabilizers like glycols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite approach by combining surfactants with nanocellulose particles (0.1-5% by weight of cement). This composite material system provides both foam stabilization and maintains compressive strength, resolving the contradiction between foam stability and strength retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If foam stabilizers such as glycols are used, then foam stability is improved, but gelation occurs upon mixing with water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoam stabilityVSAvoidmixing time before gelation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts or eliminates gelation-prone components (conventional foam stabilizers like glycols) from the formulation and replaces them with alternative materials (nanocellulose-based stabilizers) that provide foam stability without causing gelation, thereby extending the usable mixing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses nanocellulose as a biodegradable, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional foam stabilizers. This material provides temporary foam stabilization during the cement setting process without long-term gelation issues, effectively serving as a disposable stabilizing agent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional foam stabilizers are used, then foam stability is improved, but environmental concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoam stabilityVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of conventional foam stabilizers (environmental pollution, toxicity) into a benefit by using biodegradable nanocellulose-based stabilizers. These materials provide the necessary foam stability while being environmentally benign, thus turning an environmental problem into a sustainable solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an environmentally inert system by selecting foam stabilizers with minimal environmental impact. The nanocellulose-based stabilizers and selected surfactants form a chemically inert system regarding environmental harm, allowing foam stability to be achieved without ecological damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 nanocellulose foam stabilizing additives improve the stability and compressive strength of foamed cement compositions, preventing gelation and environmental issues, ensuring effective sealing and structural integrity in subterranean formations.

Implementation Method 1

nanocellulose foam stabilizing additives, such as nanofibril cellulose, to enhance foam stability and resistance to destabilization mechanisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFoam stabilization: Foam

Implementation Method 2

various other surfactants commonly referred to as 'foam stabilizers' for preventing the components of the foamed cement composition from prematurely separating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS10766813B2Nanocellulose foam stabilizing additive

Publication Date: 2020.09.08 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A variety of systems, methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one method, providing a foamed cement composition comprising a hydraulic cement, water, a foaming surfactant, a gas, and a nanocellulose foam stabilizing additive; placing the foamed cement composition in a selected location; and allowing the foamed cement composition to set.