Polymer Gel Barrier for Subterranean Aqueous Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing presence of aqueous materials from subterranean formations during hydrocarbon production reduces efficiency and increases costs due to the flow of aqueous materials into wellbores, and existing polymer systems fail to effectively adhere to rock surfaces, leading to a short service life and barrier failure.
Innovation Solution
A polymer gel composition comprising a base polymer, a cross-linking agent, and an adsorption system with silane compounds or silicate components is injected into the aqueous zone, forming a cross-linked polymer gel matrix that chemically bonds to rock surfaces, reducing or preventing aqueous material flow into the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If existing polymer systems are used to form barriers in aqueous zones, then the barrier formation is achieved, but the service life is short due to poor adhesion to rock surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymer gel with silane compounds and silicate components to create a multi-component system. The silane compound (e.g., γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) and silicate (e.g., sodium silicate) work together with the polymer to enhance adhesion to rock surfaces through chemical bonding mechanisms, thereby extending the service life of the barrier while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymer system by incorporating specific silane compounds and silicates. This modifies the chemical properties of the polymer gel to enable covalent bonding with rock surface hydroxyl groups, transforming the adhesion mechanism from physical to chemical bonding and thereby extending barrier durability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If polymer gel composition is injected into aqueous zone to form barrier, then aqueous material flow is reduced, but the barrier fails prematurely without proper adhesion enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The silane compound acts as an intermediary between the polymer gel and the rock surface. It forms a chemical bridge by bonding to both the polymer matrix and the rock surface hydroxyl groups, ensuring strong adhesion and preventing premature barrier failure while maintaining effective flow reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is formed as a composite material system consisting of polymer gel, silane compound, and silicate. This composite structure provides both the flow-blocking function of the polymer and the adhesion-enhancing properties of the silane-silicate system, ensuring long-term reliability while reducing aqueous material flow.
3Strength
If cross-linking agent is added to increase polymer gel strength, then viscosity increases before injection, but injection efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-linking reaction is initiated after injection rather than before. The polymer gel is injected in its uncross-linked or partially cross-linked state with lower viscosity, and then the cross-linking process is activated in situ within the aqueous zone, allowing easy injection followed by strength development.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions dynamically from a low-viscosity injectable state to a high-strength cross-linked state. The cross-linking degree is controlled to remain low during injection for ease of operation, then increases after placement to provide the necessary barrier strength.
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 polymer gel composition effectively forms a durable barrier that enhances hydrocarbon production by reducing aqueous material flow and increasing the service life of the treatment by improving adhesion to rock surfaces, compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The adsorption system that includes the silane compound or the silane compound and the silicate may improve adherence of the cross-linked polymer gel matrix to the surfaces of the rock in the pores of the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 2
curing the polymer gel composition may form a cross-linked polymer gel matrix that may produce a barrier between the aqueous zone and the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer gel composition for treating an aqueous zone of a subterranean formation may include a base polymer, a cross-linking agent, and an adsorption system. The adsorption system may include one or more silane compounds or a combination of silane compounds and silicates. The adsorption system may improve bonding of the polymer gel composition to the pore surfaces of the rock in the aqueous zone. A method of treating an aqueous zone of a subterranean formation may include injecting the polymer gel composition into the aqueous zone of the formation and allowing the polymer gel composition to cure to form a cross-linked polymer gel matrix that provides a barrier that reduces or prevents the flow of aqueous materials from the aqueous zone to the wellbore.