Low Volatility Phosphorous Gelling Agent for Fracturing Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gelling agents for hydrocarbon liquids used in subterranean formation fracturing and refinery distillation processes are prone to decomposition, leading to volatile phosphorus compounds that cause plugging in distillation towers, resulting in inefficiencies and costly shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A gelled liquid hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is prepared using a ferric iron or aluminum polyvalent metal salt of a phosphoric acid ester with specific alkyl or phenyl alkyl ether substituents, which minimizes volatile phosphorus and prevents degradation, combined with a proppant material and a delayed gel breaker to create fractures in subterranean formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional phosphoric acid ester gelling agents are used in hydrocarbon fracturing fluids, then rapid gellation and high viscosity are achieved, but volatile phosphorus compounds are generated during distillation causing plugging in refinery towers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the phosphoric acid ester by specifying particular alkyl group configurations (such as octyl, nonyl, decyl groups) and ester structures that inherently reduce volatility. This modifies the molecular weight and intermolecular forces of the gelling agent, allowing it to maintain gellation effectiveness while reducing vapor pressure and volatile phosphorus content during refinery distillation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite molecular structures combining specific polyvalent metal salts (ferric, aluminum) with carefully selected phosphoric acid esters having particular alkyl chain lengths and configurations. This composite approach creates a gelling system where the metal-phosphate complex provides rapid gellation while the specific ester structure minimizes volatile phosphorus generation, resolving the contradiction between gellation performance and emission reduction
2Duration of action of moving object
If polyvalent metal salts of phosphoric acid esters are used to gel hydrocarbon liquids, then rapid gellation occurs, but decomposition leads to plugging in distillation towers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular molecular weight ranges and alkyl group configurations for the phosphoric acid ester that enhance thermal stability. By selecting esters with longer alkyl chains (C8-C18) and specific structural configurations, the gelling agent maintains its integrity at high distillation temperatures, preventing decomposition and plugging while preserving the desired gellation duration in the fracturing application
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional short-chain phosphoric acid esters that decompose easily with more stable, longer-chain variants. Although the stable esters may have different handling properties, they eliminate the need for costly refinery shutdowns and tower cleanings by preventing plugging, thereby improving overall system reliability and reducing operational disruptions
3Productivity
If conventional gelling agents are used in fracturing fluids, then effective fracture creation is achieved, but costly shutdowns and inefficiencies occur due to plugging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary molecular design and selection of phosphoric acid esters with specific alkyl configurations that pre-prevent the plugging problem before it occurs. By selecting esters with appropriate volatility characteristics and thermal stability in advance, the formulation ensures both effective fracturing performance and compatibility with subsequent refinery distillation operations, eliminating unplanned shutdowns and maintaining continuous productivity
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 solution significantly reduces volatile phosphorous emissions and decomposition products during distillation, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of subterranean formation fracturing and refinery operations by preventing plugging and maintaining system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a gelling agent comprised of a ferric iron or aluminum polyvalent metal salt of a phosphoric acid ester
Implementation Method 2
delayed gel breakers are used to cause the fracturing fluid to revert back to a thin fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Liquid hydrocarbons are gelled by the introduction of a phosphate ester and a crosslinking agent for use in oil recovery. Generally a proppant, delayed gel breaker and other modifiers are added to the gelled hydrocarbon to improve the oil recovery process. The phosphate ester used in this method and composition for oil recovery has low volatility and good stability during hydrocarbon distillation resulting in improved distillation efficiency in a refinery.