Oil-Swellable Elastomeric LCM for Non-Aqueous Fluid Loss Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lost circulation materials are ineffective in managing heavy losses of non-aqueous wellbore treatment fluids to the subterranean formation, leading to well control issues, borehole instability, and formation damage due to excessive fluid loss during drilling and production operations.
Innovation Solution
An oil-swellable lost circulation material (LCM) is developed by mixing elastomeric polymer particles with a crosslinker and an anti-agglomerating agent, which absorbs 20 to 34 times its weight in non-aqueous fluids, effectively reducing fluid loss by swelling and blocking porous paths in the formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lost circulation materials (fibers or graded particles) are used, then low circulation losses can be treated, but heavy losses cannot be effectively treated due to large dimensions of lost circulation zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical properties of the lost circulation material through oil swelling. The elastomeric polymer particles absorb non-aqueous fluids and swell significantly (absorbing 20 to 34 times their weight), transforming from small particles to large swelling barriers that can effectively block heavy fluid losses. This parameter change enables the same material to treat both low and heavy circulation losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining elastomeric polymer particles with specific monomers (olefinically unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer and monomer having epoxy pendant group) and crosslinking with amine. This composite structure provides both the elastomeric properties for swelling and the crosslinked network for structural integrity, creating a material that can handle heavy lost circulation zones effectively.
2Productivity
If non-aqueous fluids are circulated in the wellbore, then drilling and production operations can proceed, but excessive fluid loss occurs to the subterranean formation causing well control issues and formation damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (oil-swellable lost circulation material) that mediates between the non-aqueous wellbore treatment fluid and the subterranean formation. The LCM particles are circulated with the fluid and then swell upon contact with the formation, creating a barrier that prevents further fluid loss. This intermediary approach allows continuous operation while preventing excessive fluid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary action by circulating the oil-swellable LCM material ahead of or with the non-aqueous treatment fluid. The LCM particles are positioned in the lost circulation zone first, where they absorb fluid and swell to create a blocking barrier before excessive fluid loss can occur. This preliminary placement prevents the harmful effects of fluid loss while maintaining operational continuity.
3Loss of substance
If LCM absorbs non-aqueous fluid and swells, then fluid loss is reduced by blocking porous paths, but the LCM must not dissolve in the non-aqueous fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining elastomeric polymer with crosslinking agents (amine) to create a crosslinked network structure. This composite structure provides both swelling capability (for blocking porous paths) and structural integrity (resistance to dissolution). The crosslinked network prevents the polymer from dissolving in non-aqueous fluids while maintaining the ability to absorb and swell.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies parameter changes by controlling the chemical structure and crosslinking density of the elastomeric polymer. The crosslinking degree and polymer composition are optimized to achieve the right balance between swelling capacity and dissolution resistance. This parameter optimization ensures the LCM swells sufficiently to block fluid loss while maintaining structural stability in non-aqueous environments.
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 oil-swellable LCM significantly reduces fluid loss by forming a swelling barrier in the lost circulation zone, enhancing well control and preventing formation damage, thereby minimizing non-productive time and improving hydrocarbon production.
Implementation Method 1
an oil-swellable lost circulation material (LCM) is developed by mixing elastomeric polymer particles with a crosslinker and an anti-agglomerating agent, which absorbs 20 to 34 times its weight in non-aqueous fluids, effectively reducing fluid loss by swelling and blocking porous paths in the formation
Implementation Method 2
mixing elastomeric polymer particles with a crosslinker and an anti-agglomerating agent... The elastomeric polymer includes an olefinically unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer and a monomer having an epoxy pendant group, and the crosslinker is an amine
Data Source
AI summary
An oil-swellable lost circulation material (LCM) formed from an elastomeric polymer and a crosslinker amine is provided. The LCM may be formed from elastomeric polymer particles, a crosslinker amine, an anti-agglomerating agent, and may also be formed using a cure accelerator. A mixture of the elastomeric polymer particles, the crosslinker amine, the anti-agglomerating agent, and in some mixtures the cure accelerator, may be hot rolled at a temperature of at least 120° F. for a duration. The resulting LCM may swell by absorbing about 20 to about 34 times its weight when introduced to a loss circulation zone in the presence of a non-aqueous fluid such as a drilling mud or component of a drilling mud.