Particulate Polymer Proppant Composition for Hydraulic Fracturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hydraulic fracturing processes face challenges such as complex equipment requirements, polymer caking and handling issues, and environmental concerns related to liquid polymer solutions, including increased costs, storage footprint, and potential contamination.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising water-soluble or water-swellable polymers and proppants in particulate form, with average particle sizes between 10 and 1000 microns, premixed and used directly in hydraulic fracturing operations, reducing the need for extensive dissolution and dilution steps and minimizing equipment usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If polymer is used in liquid form (solution or emulsion), then dissolution and handling is simplified, but storage footprint increases, cost increases due to inert diluent, and environmental contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymer dissolution and handlingVSAvoidstorage footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of the polymer from liquid (solution/emulsion) to solid (particulate form). This transformation eliminates the need for inert diluents, reducing storage footprint while maintaining ease of operation through direct dissolution in the fracturing fluid. The polymer particles dissolve in situ, combining the storage advantages of solid form with the operational simplicity of liquid form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the inert diluent component from the polymer system. By using polymer in particulate form without diluents, the harmful aspect (increased storage footprint, cost, and environmental risk) is eliminated while preserving the beneficial aspect (ease of dissolution and handling) through direct addition to the fracturing fluid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Area of stationary object

If polymer is used in powder form, then storage footprint is reduced and no inert diluent is needed, but polymer caking occurs during storage and handling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage footprintVSAvoidpolymer handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by controlling the particle size distribution and physical characteristics of the polymer particles. By optimizing particle size (typically 10-1000 microns) and maintaining specific physical properties, the polymer achieves both good flowability during handling (preventing caking) and effective dissolution in the fracturing fluid. This local optimization of particle properties resolves the contradiction between storage efficiency and handling ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If complex dissolution units and equipment are used to dissolve polymer, then polymer dissolution is effective, but device complexity increases and footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymer dissolution effectivenessVSAvoiddissolution equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements self-service by enabling the polymer to dissolve automatically in the fracturing fluid without requiring complex external dissolution equipment. The polymer particles are added directly to the fracturing fluid where they dissolve in situ, utilizing the fluid's own properties and flow characteristics to achieve complete dissolution. This eliminates the need for separate dissolution units, reducing device complexity while maintaining dissolution effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies preliminary action by pre-processing the polymer into optimally sized particles before storage and use. This preliminary particle size reduction and preparation enables the polymer to dissolve rapidly and completely when added to the fracturing fluid, eliminating the need for complex dissolution equipment during operation. The preparatory work is done in advance, simplifying the operational process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 simplifies the fracturing process, reduces equipment needs, mitigates polymer caking, and enhances handling and environmental safety by eliminating the need for inert diluents and complex dissolution processes, while maintaining effective performance in fracturing operations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one water-soluble or water-swellable polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater solubility: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

at least one water-soluble or water-swellable polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwelling: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

Polymer type chemicals are for example friction reducers, anti-dust, viscosifying agents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosifying: Non-Newtonian Fluids

Data Source

PatentEP3159390B1Composition in particulate form comprising a polymer and a proppant useful for hydraulic fracturing operation

Publication Date: 2019.12.11 S P C M SA

Figure 1

AI summary

Composition for fracturing operation comprising at least one water-soluble or water-swellable polymer and at least one proppant wherein the composition is in particulate form. Hydraulic fracturing process using said composition.