Nitrogen Micro-bubble Friction Reduction in Oil Well Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil and gas operations face challenges in efficiently treating produced water, which is contaminated with hydrocarbons and other materials, due to the inefficacy of current treatment methods in reducing friction and corrosion during injection processes.
Innovation Solution
An automated treatment system that introduces nitrogen-rich micro-bubbles and/or nano-bubbles into injection fluids, fracturing fluids, or produced fluids, providing friction reduction and disinfection capabilities without using chemical additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If chemical-based friction reducers are added to reduce friction, then friction reduction is achieved, but corrosion increases and chemical additives are introduced into the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nitrogen gas as an intermediary substance that forms microbubbles to reduce friction between fluid and pipe walls. This intermediary approach allows friction reduction without direct contact between corrosive chemicals and the system components, thereby eliminating corrosion while achieving the desired friction reduction effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical-based friction reduction mechanisms with a physical mechanism involving nitrogen microbubbles. The microbubbles create a lubricating effect through physical means rather than chemical action, substituting chemical interactions with mechanical/physical phenomena to achieve friction reduction without corrosion.
2Force
If chemical-based friction reducers are used, then friction is reduced, but the system requires chemical additives which increase complexity and environmental concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for chemical additives from the friction reduction process. By using nitrogen microbubbles, the system removes harmful chemical substances while retaining the essential friction reduction function, thereby simplifying the system and reducing environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment using nitrogen gas, which is chemically inactive and does not introduce corrosive or reactive substances into the system. This inert atmosphere approach reduces friction while avoiding the complexity and environmental issues associated with chemical additives.
3Reliability
If oxygen is used for disinfection, then disinfection is achieved, but corrosion increases due to oxidative reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nitrogen, an inert gas, to create a protective atmosphere that prevents oxidative corrosion while maintaining disinfection capabilities. The inert environment stops corrosive reactions with metal surfaces while still allowing for effective fluid treatment and disinfection through the bubble formation process.
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 system effectively reduces friction and pump pressure in injection and disposal wells, while also disinfecting fluids, thereby improving the efficiency of oil and gas operations and reducing the need for chemical-based friction reducers.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of the nitrogen micro-bubbles and/or nano-bubbles to the fluid being injected results in substantial friction reduction during the treatment and injection process
Implementation Method 2
the micro-bubbles and/or nano-bubbles with added ozone also disinfect the fluid prior to use
Implementation Method 3
the micro-bubbles and/or nano-bubbles with added ozone also disinfect the fluid prior to use
Data Source
AI summary
An automated produced water treatment system that injects ozone or an ozone-oxygen mixture upstream of produced water separators, with the dose rate changing dynamically as the produced water quality changes, as determined by continuous monitoring of the produced water quality by a plurality of sensors that detect water quality parameters in real time. The system may operate as a “slipstream” injection system, that draws a portion of produced water from the produced water pipeline and injects ozone or an ozone-oxygen mixture back into the pipeline with disrupting or slowing normal operations. Disinfectants or other additives may also be injected. The treatment system may be wholly or partially contained in mobile containers or trailers, for on-the-fly use in existing produced water treatment facilities. Ozone and/or nitrogen micro-bubbles and/or nano-bubbles may be introduced for friction reduction in oil and gas operations.