Percitric Acid Treatment Fluids for Oil and Gas Deposit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatment fluids used in oil- and gas-field operations face issues with polymer-induced viscosity modification, polymer-metal complex deposition, and inorganic mineral precipitates, which hinder hydrocarbon recovery and disrupt fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
The use of percitric acid, generated by contacting citric acid with hydrogen peroxide, to degrade polymers, prevent polymer deposits, and inhibit mineral precipitates, while providing biocidal activity and reducing microbial populations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If polymers are used to increase viscosity in treatment fluids, then fluid viscosity is improved, but polymer deposits and polymer-metal complexes form causing formation damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using oxidizing agents to alter the chemical state of polymers, transforming them from viscous-modifying agents into degraded products that no longer cause formation damage. This chemical transformation resolves the contradiction by changing the polymer's molecular structure and properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs strong oxidizing agents including peracids (peracetic acid, percarbonic acid, percitric acid), hydrogen peroxide, and persulfates to accelerate the oxidation and degradation of polymers. These oxidants break down polymer chains and polymer-metal complexes, preventing deposit formation while maintaining treatment fluid effectiveness.
2Productivity
If treatment fluids are used to transport hydrocarbons, then production is improved, but inorganic mineral precipitates form disrupting fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses strong oxidizing agents to prevent and remove inorganic mineral precipitates including sulfates, chlorides, carbonates, and iron sulfides. The oxidants chemically treat the treatment fluids to keep minerals in solution or convert them to non-precipitating forms, maintaining fluid flow and hydrocarbon recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of mineral precipitation into a benefit by using oxidizing agents to transform precipitate-prone conditions into stable, non-precipitating states. The same oxidants that degrade harmful polymers also prevent mineral scaling, turning potential problems into solutions.
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
Peracid treatment fluids effectively reduce viscosity, prevent polymer deposits, and control mineral precipitates, enhancing hydrocarbon recovery and fluid flow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The use of percitric acid, generated by contacting citric acid with hydrogen peroxide, to degrade polymers
Implementation Method 2
degrading and/or removing polymer additive deposits or polymer-metal complexes
Implementation Method 3
inhibiting the formation of and/or removing inorganic mineral precipitates
Implementation Method 4
providing biocidal activity at a low concentration; and, removing deposits (organic, inorganic or mixtures thereof)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to compositions containing percitric acid, treatment fluids containing such compositions and methods of using the treatment fluids during various oil- and gas-field operations including hydraulic fracturing, remediation, production, disposal well chemistry and cleaning equipment both above surface and downhole used in connection with oil- and gas-field operations.