Olefinic Ester Fracturing Fluids for Pore Clogging Prevention
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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 saturated ester compounds, including olefinic ester compounds and terpenes like d-limonene, in fracturing fluids to stimulate oil or gas wells by preventing pore clogging and enhancing hydrocarbon extraction, with the option to derive these compounds from renewable sources through metathesis reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If terpenes are used in fracturing fluids to prevent pore clogging, then the effectiveness of hydrocarbon extraction is improved, but the cost increases and availability becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, naturally-sourced terpenes with inexpensive, synthetically-produced saturated ester compounds that can be manufactured on demand. These ester compounds serve the same pore-clogging prevention function but are economically viable for consistent, large-scale use in fracturing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the fracturing fluid by substituting terpene-based additives with saturated ester compounds having different molecular structures and properties. This parameter change maintains the functional benefit of pore protection while eliminating the supply chain and cost issues associated with natural terpene extraction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If terpenes are extracted from natural sources to use in fracturing fluids, then the desired chemical properties are achieved, but the supply becomes unpredictable and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the fracturing fluid industry to produce its own additive chemicals through synthetic chemistry rather than relying on extraction from natural sources. Saturated ester compounds can be manufactured on-site or locally through chemical synthesis, giving the industry control over supply and reducing dependence on natural source variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential functional property of terpenes (pore-clogging prevention) and implements it through a different chemical class (saturated esters) that can be produced through controlled chemical synthesis rather than natural extraction, thereby separating the desired function from the supply chain constraints.
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. 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.