Non-Aldehyde Sulfide Scavengers with Synergistic Bases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sulfide scavengers used in oilfield operations, such as triazine-based and nitrogen-free compounds, face limitations like pH increase issues, toxicity, corrosivity, and slow reaction rates, making them impractical for effective removal of sulfur-containing species like hydrogen sulfide from subterranean formations and drilling fluids.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a non-aldehyde sulfide scavenging additive combined with a synergistic additive, which may include a base or amine, to catalyze and enhance the reaction rate of the scavenging process, increasing the efficiency and safety of sulfur-containing species removal by forming nonhazardous and noncorrosive products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If triazine-based hydrogen sulfide scavengers are used, then sulfide removal is achieved, but pH values increase causing scale problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using nitrogen-free scavengers (acrylonitrile, acrylamide, methacrylonitrile, methacrylamide) instead of triazine-based compounds. This parameter change maintains sulfide removal capability while eliminating the pH increase and scale formation problems associated with triazine scavengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available, inexpensive monomers like acrylonitrile and acrylamide that can be easily synthesized or obtained. These short-chain compounds react quickly with sulfides and are easily handled, providing an economical alternative to complex triazine-based scavengers while avoiding their harmful side effects.
2Productivity
If nitrogen-free scavengers such as formaldehyde, glyoxal, and acrolein are used, then sulfide removal is achieved, but transportation, storage, and operation become difficult due to toxicity and corrosivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects short-chain, readily polymerizable monomers (acrylonitrile, acrylamide, methacrylonitrile, methacrylamide) that are stable, non-toxic, and easy to handle. These compounds can be stored and transported safely unlike formaldehyde or acrolein, yet remain effective sulfide scavengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by selecting compounds with specific functional groups (cyano and amide groups) that provide both sulfide scavenging capability and improved safety/profile for storage and handling. These parameter changes eliminate the toxicity and corrosivity issues of traditional nitrogen-free scavengers.
3Ease of operation
If non-aldehyde scavengers are used, then volatility and handling are improved, but reaction rates decrease under neutral conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical reactivity parameters by introducing electron-withdrawing cyano and amide groups adjacent to the reactive double bond. This increases the electrophilicity of the double bond, thereby increasing the reaction rate with sulfides under neutral conditions while maintaining the low volatility and good handling characteristics of non-aldehyde scavengers.
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
This approach allows for safer, less corrosive, and more efficient removal of sulfur-containing species, overcoming the limitations of existing scavengers by increasing reaction rates and total sulfur removal, while maintaining safety and operational benefits.
Implementation Method 1
a synergistic additive, which may include a base or amine, to catalyze and enhance the reaction rate of the scavenging process
Implementation Method 2
Scavengers are necessary to react with sulfides and form products that are nonhazardous and noncorrosive
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, compositions, and methods for synergistic additives for use in the scavenging of sulfur-containing compounds encountered in oilfield operations are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise injecting a sulfide scavenging additive that does not comprise a significant amount of an aldehyde into at least a portion of a subterranean formation where one or more sulfur-containing species are present; and injecting a synergistic additive comprising at least one base into at least the portion of the subterranean formation.