pH-Responsive Corrosion Inhibitor Composition for Acidic Fluids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corrosion inhibitor formulations used in oil and gas industries are toxic and environmentally hazardous, posing risks to marine life and human health, and they fail to meet industry standards for corrosion inhibition performance and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A corrosion inhibitor composition comprising a reaction product of a lower molecular weight aldehyde or ketone with a higher molecular weight component, which is stable at near-neutral pH and releases the aldehyde or ketone into acidic fluids to inhibit corrosion, reducing toxicity and volatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional corrosion inhibitors containing aldehydes and ketones are used, then corrosion inhibition performance is improved, but toxicity and environmental hazard increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion inhibition performanceVSAvoidtoxicity and environmental hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds toxic aldehyde or ketone molecules within a larger molecular structure by chemically attaching them to a higher molecular weight component containing functional side groups. This nesting approach maintains the corrosion-inhibiting core while reducing the harmful effects of the toxic substance through encapsulation within the larger molecular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite molecular structure combining a lower molecular weight aldehyde or ketone with a higher molecular weight component containing functional side groups. This composite approach allows the toxic component to retain its corrosion-inhibiting function while the overall structure exhibits reduced toxicity and environmental hazard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If aldehydes and ketones are used as corrosion inhibitors, then corrosion protection is improved, but volatility and toxic emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidtoxic emissions and volatility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By nesting the volatile aldehyde or ketone molecule within a larger molecular structure through chemical attachment to a higher molecular weight component, the patent reduces the volatility and toxic emissions of the corrosion-inhibiting substance while maintaining its protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If aqueous acidic fluids are used for acidizing treatments, then formation permeability is improved, but corrosion of metal surfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformation permeabilityVSAvoidcorrosion of metal surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a corrosion inhibitor composition containing aldehydes or ketones chemically attached to a higher molecular weight component as an intermediary substance. This mediator is added to aqueous acidic fluids used in acidizing treatments to protect metal surfaces (tubular goods, downhole equipment) from corrosion while allowing the acidic fluid to perform its function of increasing formation permeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 composition provides effective corrosion inhibition with reduced environmental impact by chemically attaching aldehydes and ketones to the higher molecular weight component, minimizing toxic emissions and improving safety for personnel and the environment.

Implementation Method 1

The higher molecular weight component has at least one functional side group that reacts with the at least one aldehyde or ketone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The at least one aldehyde or ketone is regenerated and separated from the higher molecular weight component when the corrosion inhibiting composition is part of an aqueous acidic fluid having a pH less than or equal to 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP4632034A1Corrosion inhibitor and related methods of inhibiting corrosion

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SERVICES PETROLIERS SCHLUMBERGER SA

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AI summary

An environmentally-friendly corrosion inhibitor composition is provided that includes a reaction product of a lower molecular weight component and a higher molecular weight component. The lower molecular weight component includes at least one aldehyde or ketone or mixture thereof. The higher molecular weight component has at least one functional side group that reacts with the at least one aldehyde or ketone or mixture thereof such that the corrosion inhibiting composition is stable in bulk form and in aqueous fluids at near-neutral pH conditions. The at least one aldehyde or ketone or mixture thereof is regenerated and separated from the higher molecular weight component when the corrosion inhibiting composition is part of an aqueous acidic fluid having a pH less than or equal to 1. Other aspects, including application of the corrosion inhibitor composition in treatment fluids for downhole applications, are described and claimed.