Polyamino Nanoparticles Stabilize Subterranean Particulates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon-producing wells face issues with unconsolidated particulates such as sand, gravel, and proppant migrating into the well bore, causing equipment abrasion, clogging, and reducing production, as existing methods for controlling particulate migration are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
The use of polyamino-functionalized nanoparticles as a hardening agent in treatment fluids that cross-link with resins to form consolidating agents, which are introduced into subterranean formations to stabilize unconsolidated particulates, forming a cohesive and permeable pack that minimizes their migration with production fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional hardening agents are used to consolidate particulates, then mechanical bonding strength is improved, but thermal integrity deteriorates at high downhole temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of amine hardening agents by introducing cyclic constraints (ring structures) at specific positions in the molecular chain. This structural parameter change allows the hardening agent to maintain both high mechanical bonding strength and thermal stability at downhole temperatures up to 200°C, resolving the contradiction between strength and temperature resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite curing system combining modified amine hardening agents with epoxy resins. The specific molecular structure of the modified amine (with cyclic constraints) provides both strong bonding and thermal resistance, achieving a composite material that simultaneously improves mechanical strength and maintains thermal integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gravel packs are placed to control particulate migration, then particulate migration is reduced, but equipment complexity and treatment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sand control function from the mechanical gravel pack system and transfers it to a chemical consolidation system. By using modified amine hardening agents that cure at downhole temperatures, the treatment consolidates particulates in place without requiring complex gravel pack placement equipment or screens, simplifying the overall treatment while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gravel pack system (requiring screen assemblies, gravel placement equipment, and complex installation procedures) with a chemical consolidation system. The modified amine hardening agent chemically bonds particulates together in place, substituting mechanical control with chemical stabilization, thereby reducing equipment complexity.
3Strength
If amine hardening agents are used to cure resin compositions, then mechanical bonding strength is improved, but thermal stability deteriorates at temperatures above 100°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cyclic constraints (ring structures) at specific positions in the amine hardening agent molecular chain. This structural modification changes the thermal properties of the cured resin composition, maintaining both high adhesive strength (3000-5000 psi) and thermal stability at temperatures up to 200°C, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and thermal stability.
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 effectively consolidates particulates into a stable mass with enhanced mechanical bonding strength and thermal integrity, reducing particulate migration and equipment damage, while maintaining permeability, thus improving well production and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The polyamino-functionalized nanoparticles can be cross-linkable with a hardenable resin to form a consolidating agent
Implementation Method 2
a treatment fluid suspends particulates (commonly referred to as 'gravel' particulates) to be deposited in a desired area in a well bore
Implementation Method 3
a treatment fluid suspends particulates (commonly referred to as 'gravel' particulates) to be deposited in a desired area in a well bore
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for stabilizing portions of a subterranean formation, including portions of a subterranean formation having unconsolidated particulates, using a consolidating agent comprising polyamino-functionalized nanoparticles are provided. Certain of the methods include the steps of providing a treatment fluid comprising a base liquid and polyamino-functionalized nanoparticles; and introducing the treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation. Treatment fluids comprising polyamino-functionalized nanoparticles include gravel packing fluids, consolidation fluids, and hydraulic fracturing fluids are also provided.