Phosphor-Based Gel Self-Diverting Scale Inhibitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scale inhibition methods in oil fields, such as downhole squeezing, are inefficient as they require significant time and equipment, and often fail to effectively prevent scale formation in targeted zones, leading to reduced well production capacity due to scale deposition in equipment and tubing.
Innovation Solution
The use of phosphor-based hydrocarbon gelling agents as self-diverting scale inhibitors, which are introduced into subterranean formations as part of gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids, allowing them to remain and reduce scale formation, thereby acting as long-term inhibitors without the need for secondary treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If downhole squeezing is used to inhibit scale formation, then scale inhibition is achieved, but significant time and equipment are required, and effectiveness in targeted zones is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid automatically diverts flow to unswept zones and releases the scale inhibitor in situ without requiring secondary overflush operations. The gel acts as its own delivery mechanism, using formation permeability variations to self-direct the inhibitor to where it is most needed, eliminating the need for additional equipment and time-consuming overflush treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale inhibitor is pre-loaded within the gelled treatment fluid before injection. This preliminary incorporation ensures that the inhibitor is delivered directly to the formation zones requiring treatment during the initial injection phase, rather than requiring separate subsequent operations to place the inhibitor.
2Reliability
If downhole squeezing is used to inhibit scale formation, then scale inhibition is achieved, but equipment complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the delivery vehicle and the placement mechanism for the scale inhibitor. The gel structure provides temporary viscosity for deep penetration, then breaks down to release the inhibitor, combining what would traditionally require separate equipment and procedures into a single unified treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment fluid self-regulates its viscosity and inhibitor release based on formation conditions. The gel automatically diverts to low-permeability zones and releases inhibitor where needed without requiring external control systems or additional equipment to monitor and adjust the treatment in real-time.
3Reliability
If conventional scale inhibitors are used, then scale formation is reduced, but frequent de-scaling operations are still required
Solution Approach 1:
The scale inhibitor is pre-positioned within the gel matrix and released gradually as the gel breaks down in the formation. This preliminary placement ensures long-term presence of the inhibitor in the formation pores, providing extended protection against scale formation without requiring frequent re-treatment or de-scaling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel structure provides continuous carrier protection for the scale inhibitor as it migrates through the formation, then continues to release the inhibitor over an extended period as it breaks down. This continuous action ensures sustained scale inhibition rather than a single brief exposure, significantly extending the duration of effective treatment.
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
Phosphor-based hydrocarbon gelling agents effectively inhibit scale formation by remaining in the formation and reducing viscosity at desired times, providing a long-term solution that enhances well production capacity and reduces the need for frequent de-scaling operations.
Implementation Method 1
providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising a liquid hydrocarbon and a phosphor-based hydrocarbon gelling agent
Implementation Method 2
At a desired time, the viscosity of the gelled liquid hydrocarbon fluid may be reduced, or 'broken'
Implementation Method 3
allowing at least a portion of the phosphor-based hydrocarbon gelling agent to remain in the subterranean formation wherein the phosphor-based hydrocarbon gelling agent then acts to reduce the formation of scale
Data Source
AI summary
Method of treating a subterranean formation using a hydrocarbon treatment fluid using a phosphor-based hydrocarbon gelling agent that is capable of both increasing the viscosity of the hydrocarbon treatment fluid and remaining in the subterranean formation after the viscosity of the gel is broken such that it can act as a scale inhibitor. Phosphor-based hydrocarbon gelling agents may be formed from a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or from a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid.