Olefinic Ester Fracturing Fluids for Subterranean Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The hydraulic fracturing process for hydrocarbon extraction faces challenges due to the high cost and unpredictable availability of terpenes, which are often used to prevent fluid clogging in subterranean formations, necessitating the development of alternative compounds for consistent and cost-effective use in fracturing fluids.
Innovation Solution
The use of olefinic ester compounds, specifically C1-6 alkanol esters or C3-10 cycloalkanol esters of C10-18 carboxylic acids with one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, as additives in fracturing fluids to enhance hydrocarbon production by preventing fluid clogging in subterranean formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If terpenes are used in fracturing fluids to prevent fluid clogging, then the effectiveness of preventing pore clogging is improved, but the cost increases and availability becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, hard-to-obtain terpenes with cheaper, readily available olefinic ester compounds that can be consistently supplied. These ester compounds serve the same function of preventing pore clogging but are derived from more accessible feedstocks, making them a cost-effective and reliably available alternative.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting terpene-based additives with olefinic ester compounds having specific molecular structures (C10-18 carboxylic acid esters). This parameter change maintains the functional effectiveness of preventing fluid clogging while improving cost and availability characteristics.
2Productivity
If conventional fracturing fluids are used, then the process is simple, but pore clogging occurs reducing hydrocarbon yield
Solution Approach 1:
The olefinic ester compounds act as intermediary substances added to the fracturing fluid. These compounds mediate between the fracturing fluid and the formation pores, preventing direct harmful interaction (clogging) while allowing the fluid to perform its fracturing function effectively, thereby maintaining high hydrocarbon yield.
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions for stimulating hydrocarbon production from a subterranean formation are generally disclosed. In some embodiments, such compositions include olefinic ester compounds, such as alkyl esters of C10-18 unsaturated fatty acids. In some embodiments, the olefinic ester compounds are derived from a natural oil or a natural oil derivative, for example, by catalytic olefin metathesis. Uses of such compounds, such as in oil- and gas-production methods are also generally disclosed.