Oil-Based Polymer Slurry for Stable High-Loading Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slickwater fracturing fluids, including synthetic and natural polymer systems, face issues with proppant displacement, fracture width maintenance, and logistics costs, particularly in oil-based slurry applications.
Innovation Solution
An oil-based slurry comprising oil, a suspension package, a dispersion agent, and a dry water-soluble polymer is developed, which allows for higher polymer loading and improved stability, reducing the carbon footprint and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional synthetic polymer slickwater fluids are used, then proppant displacement and fracture width increase, but logistics costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the polymer from conventional emulsion/suspension forms to a dry powder form, which fundamentally alters the logistics and handling parameters while maintaining the proppant displacement efficiency. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by simplifying logistics without sacrificing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dry powder polymer formulation that can be easily disposed of or replaced without complex recovery processes, unlike conventional emulsion systems. This approach reduces logistical complexity and operational costs while maintaining effective proppant displacement during the fracturing operation.
2Productivity
If dry powder polymer is used, then polymer activity and pump rate are improved, but chemical cost and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier medium or formulation aid as an intermediary substance that facilitates the handling and application of the dry powder polymer. This intermediary enables easy mixing and delivery while maintaining the high pump rate and polymer activity characteristics of the dry powder form.
3Productivity
If conventional oil-based slurry is used, then polymer activity is improved, but carbon footprint and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the base fluid parameter from conventional petroleum-based oils to alternative oil sources such as plant-based oils, animal fats, or synthesized esters. This parameter change maintains the necessary polymer activity and slurry performance while significantly reducing the carbon footprint and environmental harmful factors associated with conventional petroleum oils.
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 new slurry formulation enhances hydration speed, stability, and pumpability, enabling efficient fracture propagation and reducing logistics and storage costs while allowing the use of a wider variety of oil sources.
Implementation Method 1
an oil-based slurry that includes oil, a suspension package, a dispersion agent, a surfactant, and a dry water-soluble polymer
Implementation Method 2
an oil-based slurry that includes oil, a suspension package, a dispersion agent, a surfactant, and a dry water-soluble polymer
Implementation Method 3
a dry water-soluble polymer
Data Source
AI summary
An oil-based slurry that includes oil, a suspension package, a dispersion agent, a surfactant, and a dry water-soluble polymer.