Polyvinyl Alcohol Resin Plugging Agent Swelling Solubility Balance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current polyvinyl alcohol-based resins for underground treatment lack an optimal balance of swelling and solubility, which affects their plugging efficiency and longevity in enhancing oil and gas recovery processes.
Innovation Solution
A polyvinyl alcohol-based resin with a specific ratio of swelling to solubility (≥3.0) is developed, where the degree of swelling is 110% or more and solubility is 5% or more, and optionally includes a structural unit containing a carboxylic acid, enhancing its plugging effect and ease of dissolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plugging agent has high swelling ratio to enhance plugging effect, then the plugging effect is improved, but the dissolution rate becomes too slow reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the degree of polymerization (100-3000) and saponification degree (90-99.9%) of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin to achieve optimal balance between swelling ratio (100-300%) and dissolution rate. This quantitative parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between maintaining high plugging effect and ensuring timely dissolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polyvinyl alcohol-based resin with specific additives including surfactants (0.1-10 parts by weight per 100 parts resin) and optional crosslinking agents. This composite formulation enhances both the swelling capability for plugging and the controlled dissolution characteristics, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the plugging agent dissolves quickly to be removed after use, then ease of removal is improved, but the plugging effect duration becomes too short reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the saponification degree (90-99.9%) and degree of polymerization (100-3000) to achieve controlled dissolution rate. The resin maintains structural integrity for sustained plugging effect while progressively dissolving under specific conditions (pH 2-12, temperature 20-100°C), balancing durability with ease of removal.
3Reliability
If the resin structure is modified to enhance swelling, then plugging effect is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the degree of polymerization (100-3000) and saponification degree (90-99.9%) within specific ranges to achieve the desired swelling ratio (100-300%). These controlled parameter adjustments enhance plugging effect while maintaining manufacturability through standard polymerization and saponification processes.
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 resin achieves a high plugging effect with a moderate dissolution rate, maintaining efficiency in temporarily closing cracks and facilitating the recovery of underground resources while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the degree of swelling (%) when the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is immersed in water at 40° C. for 30 minutes
Implementation Method 2
the solubility (%) when the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is immersed in water at 65° C. for 5 hours
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin having an excellent plugging effect and a plugging agent for underground treatment. A polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is disclosed, in which a degree of swelling (%) when the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is immersed in water at 40° C. for 30 minutes and a solubility (%) when the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is immersed in water at 65° C. for 5 hours satisfy the degree of swelling/the solubility≥3.0.