Resin Coating Removal via Lactam-Based Solvation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing resin coatings from wellbore equipment are inefficient and often use toxic solvents, posing environmental and safety concerns, especially when dealing with unconsolidated particulates and resin buildup during fracturing operations.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning solution comprising a pH-adjusting agent, a solvent, and water is applied to the surface to effectively remove resin coatings, preventing resin from curing in undesirable locations, using suitable resins like two-component epoxy, furan, or phenolic resins with specific hardening agents and solvents to control viscosity and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If glycol ether type mutual solvent is used to remove resin coatings, then resin removal effectiveness is improved, but toxicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning solution by using alternative solvents such as glycol esters, ketones, or hydrocarbon-based solvents instead of glycol ether mutual solvents. This parameter change maintains resin removal effectiveness while reducing toxicity, directly resolving the technical contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and harmful factors.
2Strength
If resin is applied to wellbore surfaces, then consolidation of particulates is improved, but resin buildup on equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using cleaning solutions to remove resin coatings from equipment surfaces before resin buildup becomes problematic. This preventive cleaning approach ensures that equipment surfaces are ready for subsequent resin application while preventing excessive resin accumulation that could lead to plugging or malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning solution acts as an intermediary substance between the resin coating and the equipment surface. It facilitates the removal of resin without damaging the equipment, enabling the system to maintain consolidation strength benefits while preventing harmful resin buildup through chemical mediation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If resin coating builds up on equipment, then equipment protection from particulates is improved, but equipment functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using cleaning solutions to remove only the excessive or harmful portions of resin coating from equipment surfaces. This selective removal maintains the beneficial protective layer while eliminating the excessive buildup that causes plugging and malfunction, thereby preserving equipment functionality.
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 solution enhances the ease of resin removal, reduces toxicity, and prevents equipment damage by effectively dissolving and removing resin from surfaces, including uncured and partially cured layers, thereby maintaining equipment functionality and reducing environmental harm.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning solution comprising a pH-adjusting agent, a solvent, and water is applied to the surface to effectively remove resin coatings
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and compositions are provided for removing a residue of resin from the surface of equipment. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a cleaning solution comprising a pH-adjusting agent, a chemical solvent, and water, wherein the chemical solvent is selected from the group consisting of β-lactam, γ-lactam, δ-lactam, ϵ-lactam, 2-pyrrolidone, N-methylpyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI), caprolactam, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, β-butyrolactone, γ-butyrolactone, δ-decalactone, γ-valerolactone, ϵ-caprolactone, butylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and ethylene carbonate, any combination thereof, and any derivative thereof; allowing the cleaning solution to contact a surface at least partially coated with a layer of resin; and allowing the cleaning solution to at least partially dissolve the resin.