Composite Polymer System for High-Temperature Drilling Fluid Loss Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current water-based drilling fluids with high salinity, high temperature, and high pressure conditions face challenges in maintaining effective fluid loss control due to the limitations of single polymers, particularly at temperatures over 300°F and pressures above 15 ppg.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a combination of three polymers: an acrylamide-NVP-2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid terpolymer, a crosslinked acrylamide-NVP-2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid terpolymer, and a crosslinked acrylamide-2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid copolymer in inverse emulsion, which are used in water-based drilling fluids to enhance fluid loss control at high temperatures and pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single polymer is used in water-based drilling fluids, then the formulation is simple, but fluid loss control is insufficient at high temperature (over 300°F) and high pressure in high density (15 ppg or higher) fluids with high salinity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid loss controlVSAvoidpolymer system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines three different polymers with distinct chemical structures and functions: a first polymer for baseline fluid loss control, a second crosslinked polymer for enhanced high-temperature stability, and a third polymer for additional filtration control. This composite polymer system achieves superior fluid loss control in high salinity, high temperature, and high pressure conditions where single polymers fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges three separate polymer components into a single functional system. Each polymer contributes specific properties: the first polymer provides basic filtration control, the second crosslinked polymer maintains structural integrity at elevated temperatures, and the third polymer enhances performance in high salinity environments. Together they form a synergistic system that addresses all challenging conditions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If polymers are added to improve fluid loss control at high temperature and pressure, then fluid volume stability improves, but the formulation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid volume stabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes specific parameters of each polymer including monomer ratios, crosslinking density, and molecular weight distribution. The first polymer uses a specific acrylamide-to-sulfonate ratio, the second employs controlled crosslinking at 0.1-1%, and the third utilizes inverse emulsion technology with precise monomer composition. These parameter optimizations ensure each polymer performs its designated function while maintaining overall system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10907083B2Polymer system for fluid loss control
Publication Date: 2021.02.02 CNPC USA CORP

AI summary

A combination of three polymers including a crosslinked acrylamide-TBAS copolymers in inverse emulsion form, N-vinyl pyrrolidone-acrylamide-TBAS terpolymer, and crosslinked N-vinyl pyrrolidone-acrylamide-TBAS acts as high temperature, high pressure fluid loss control additives for water-based drilling fluids systems. The combination is particularly useful for high salt, high density drilling fluids, and high temperature applications.