Polymerizable Fluid Mixture for Annular Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preventing annular pressure buildup in wellbores, such as those in oil and gas wells, are either difficult to implement or costly, and do not provide full protection against the significant pressure increases that can lead to catastrophic failures of casing strings due to temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the formation and delivery of a mixture containing polymerizable monomers and inhibitors to an annular volume between casing strings, where the monomers polymerize with a decrease in pressure, reducing the volume and pressure within the confined space, thereby controlling pressure buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to prevent annular pressure buildup, then some pressure control is achieved, but the methods are either difficult to implement or costly and do not provide full protection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the fluid in the annular volume by introducing polymerizable monomers that undergo phase change from liquid to solid polymer upon polymerization. This parameter change (volume reduction during polymerization) directly addresses the pressure buildup problem by creating negative pressure change to counteract thermal expansion pressure increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition of polymerizable monomers during polymerization. The monomers transition from liquid state to solid polymer state, accompanied by significant volume reduction (typically 20-50% shrinkage). This phase transition provides the mechanism for pressure control by reducing fluid volume in response to temperature-induced pressure increases.
2Reliability
If polymerizable monomers are delivered to the annular volume, then pressure control is achieved through polymerization, but premature polymerization during transport must be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces inhibitors as intermediary substances that temporarily suppress the polymerization reaction during transport and handling. These inhibitors act as mediators between the polymerizable monomers and the activation conditions, preventing premature polymerization while allowing controlled polymerization to occur later when the composition is introduced into the annular volume and the inhibitor is neutralized or depleted.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary preparation of the pressure control composition by mixing polymerizable monomers with inhibitors and optional initiators before transport. This preliminary action allows the composition to be prepared, stored, and transported in a stable state, with polymerization deferred until the composition is introduced into the annular volume where conditions trigger the polymerization reaction.
3Reliability
If the annular volume is sealed to contain the mixture, then pressure buildup is controlled through polymerization, but the mixture must remain stable during transport before sealing
Solution Approach 1:
Inhibitors serve as intermediary substances that temporarily suppress polymerization during the time period between mixing and sealing. They mediate the stability of the composition during transport and handling, allowing sufficient time for delivery to the wellsite and introduction into the annular volume without premature polymerization.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition is preliminarily prepared with stabilizing ingredients (inhibitors and optional initiators) that maintain stability during the transport period. This preliminary stabilization allows the mixture to be prepared in advance, transported to the wellsite, and introduced into the annular volume ready for sealing, minimizing delays while ensuring stability throughout the process.
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
This solution effectively reduces pressure within the annular volume, preventing casing string failure and ensuring the integrity of the well by postponing polymerization to align with temperature and pressure conditions, thus providing a cost-effective and reliable method to manage pressure changes.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid mixture will decrease in specific volume as the temperature of the fluid mixture is increased
Implementation Method 2
as compared to ambient conditions... as the temperature of the fluid mixture is increased
Data Source
AI summary
The methods described herein generally relate to preparing and delivering a fluid mixture to a confined volume, specifically an annular volume located between two concentrically oriented casing strings within a hydrocarbon fluid producing well. The fluid mixtures disclosed herein are useful in controlling pressure in localized volumes. The fluid mixtures comprise at least one polymerizable monomer and at least one inhibitor. The processes and methods disclosed herein allow the fluid mixture to be stored, shipped and/or injected into localized volumes, for example, an annular volume defined by concentric well casing strings.