Concentrated Polymer Slurry Composition for Downhole Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for highly concentrated friction-reducing polymer compositions to enhance oil and gas production by reducing friction in downhole fluids during drilling and fracturing operations, as existing formulations are inadequate in achieving optimal friction reduction.
Innovation Solution
Formulation of highly concentrated particulate friction-reducing polymer slurry (HCPFRPS) compositions comprising solvents, suspending agents, viscosity modifying agents, surfactants, and particulate friction-reducing polymers, which are mixed and hydrated to form downhole fluid compositions, optimizing properties for improved friction reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional friction-reducing polymer compositions are used, then basic friction reduction is achieved, but optimal friction reduction cannot be achieved and particle aggregation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining friction-reducing polymers with surfactants and suspending agents to create a slurry composition that prevents particle aggregation while maximizing friction reduction. The composite nature of the composition allows synergistic effects where the surfactant reduces surface tension and the suspending agent maintains particle dispersion, together achieving optimal friction reduction that neither component could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the concentration of polymers, surfactants, and suspending agents within specific ranges (e.g., polymer concentration of 0.1-10 lbs per 1000 gallons, surfactant concentration of 0.01-5 lbs per 1000 gallons). By adjusting these parameters, the composition achieves maximum friction reduction while preventing particle aggregation and maintaining system stability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If polymer concentration is increased to improve friction reduction, then friction reduction performance improves, but particle aggregation and clumping occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces surfactants as intermediary substances that mediate between polymer particles and the surrounding fluid. The surfactant molecules adsorb onto polymer particle surfaces, reducing inter-particle attraction and preventing aggregation. This intermediary layer allows higher polymer concentrations to be used while maintaining stable particle dispersion and preventing clumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful aggregating forces by introducing suspending agents that counteract particle attraction. The suspending agent creates repulsive forces or physical barriers between polymer particles, effectively removing the aggregation tendency even at high concentrations, thereby maintaining composition stability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If high concentration polymer slurries are used to maximize friction reduction, then friction reduction performance improves, but manufacturing and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing polymers with surfactants and suspending agents during the manufacturing process to create a stable, ready-to-use slurry composition. This preliminary formulation ensures that particles are pre-coated and protected against aggregation before field application, simplifying both manufacturing and handling while maintaining high friction reduction performance.
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 HCPFRPS compositions achieve enhanced percent friction reduction, allowing for better drilling and fracturing performance by preventing particle aggregation and clumping, reducing drag, and improving proppant carrying capacity, while being environmentally friendly and resource-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more suspending agents include one or more hydrophobic/organophilic particulate solid suspending agents, one or more polymeric suspending agents, or mixtures thereof
Implementation Method 2
The one or more surfactants include one or more cationic surfactants, one or more anionic surfactants, one or more zwitterionic surfactants, one or more non-ionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof
Implementation Method 3
The one or more viscosity modifying agents include one or more amphiphilic viscosity modifying agents, one or more zwitterionic viscosity modifying agents, one or more polymeric viscosity modifying agents, or mixtures thereof
Implementation Method 4
one or more particulate friction-reducing polymers... achieve enhanced percent friction reduction, allowing for better drilling and fracturing performance by preventing particle aggregation and clumping, reducing drag
Data Source
AI summary
A highly concentrated particulate friction-reducing polymer slurry (HCPFRPS) composition includes an oil-based carrier composition and a particulate friction-reducing polymer composition. The oil-based carrier composition is present in an amount between about 50 wt. % and about 20 wt. %, and the particulate friction-reducing polymer composition is present in an amount between about 50 wt. % and about 80 wt. %.