Polyelectrolyte Complex Nanoparticles for Chemical Release Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current compositions and techniques for controlling and delaying the release of oil and gas field chemicals, such as gel-forming agents, scale inhibitors, and corrosion inhibitors, are inadequate for effective delivery and protection in hostile down-hole environments, leading to inefficient placement and short release times.
Innovation Solution
The use of polyelectrolyte complexes, specifically forming nanoparticles with a polyanion and polycation, to encapsulate and control the release of these chemicals, providing protection and delayed release in oil and gas field applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional compositions and techniques are used for controlling and delaying the release of oil and gas field chemicals, then the chemicals can be delivered to target areas, but the release time is short and the chemicals are not adequately protected in hostile down-hole environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by encapsulating oil and gas field chemicals within polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles. The chemicals are nested inside the nanoparticle structure, which provides protective layers that shield the encapsulated chemicals from hostile down-hole environments while enabling controlled release over extended periods. This nested structure resolves the contradiction by simultaneously improving chemical protection and extending duration of action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by forming polyelectrolyte complexes from combinations of polycations and polyanions to create nanoparticles with tailored properties. These composite nanoparticle structures provide both protection for the encapsulated chemicals and controlled release mechanisms, thereby improving reliability and extending the duration of chemical action in oil and gas field applications.
2Productivity
If conventional compositions are used for delivering oil and gas field chemicals, then the chemicals can be transported, but the placement efficiency is inadequate and release occurs too quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical parameters of the delivery system through the use of polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles. The nanoparticle size, charge density, and composition can be tuned to optimize delivery efficiency and control release kinetics. This enables improved productivity through better placement efficiency while simultaneously extending the duration of chemical action through controlled release mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple encapsulation methods are used, then the composition can be prepared easily, but the controlled release capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polyelectrolyte complexes as intermediary structures that facilitate both easy preparation and controlled release. The self-assembly nature of polyelectrolyte complexes from polycations and polyanions provides a straightforward preparation method, while the complex structure itself acts as an intermediary that enables sophisticated controlled release capabilities through mechanisms such as diffusion, degradation, or environmental response.
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 polyelectrolyte complexes effectively protect and control the release of oil and gas field chemicals, enhancing their delivery and longevity in target areas, thereby improving the efficiency and duration of chemical action in oil and gas field operations.
Implementation Method 1
a polyelectrolyte complex associated with an oil and gas field chemical, wherein the complex controls the placement and/or release of the oil and gas field chemical
Data Source
AI summary
A polyelectrolyte complex for the controlled release of an oil and gas field chemical selected from the group consisting of (a) a gel-forming or cross-linking agent, (b) a scale inhibitor, (c) a corrosion inhibitor, (d) an inhibitor of asphaltene or wax deposition, (e) a hydrogen sulfide scavenger, (f) a hydrate inhibitor, (g) a breaking agent, and a surfactant.