RF Polymer Hydration Method for Subterranean Formation Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hydrating polymers in well treatment fluids are inefficient and costly, requiring large equipment and long residence times, which limits the rate of polymer hydration in commercial and industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation to accelerate the hydration of hydratable polymers in a mixture with an aqueous hydrotreating medium, forming a viscosified mixture that can be injected into subterranean formations, reducing the need for large hydration units and enabling more controlled polymer usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydration methods using large vats and shearing equipment are used, then polymer hydration can be achieved, but the operational cost is significant and the equipment size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical shearing equipment with electromagnetic radiation (microwave or radio frequency energy) to achieve polymer hydration. This substitution eliminates the need for large vats and complex mechanical agitation systems, directly resolving the contradiction between hydration effectiveness and equipment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of energy input from mechanical shear force to electromagnetic radiation energy. By applying electromagnetic fields at specific frequencies (microwave or RF ranges), the polymer chains are excited and hydrated rapidly without requiring large-scale mechanical equipment, thus improving productivity while reducing device complexity.
2Productivity
If conventional hydration methods are used, then polymer hydration can be achieved, but the residence time required is long
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical mixing with electromagnetic radiation, the patent achieves rapid polymer chain expansion and hydration in a fraction of the time required by conventional methods. The electromagnetic energy directly interacts with polymer chains, causing rapid conformational changes and water uptake, thereby dramatically reducing residence time while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic electromagnetic radiation at specific frequencies (microwave or radio frequency) to continuously excite and hydrate polymer chains. This periodic energy input maintains high hydration rates throughout the process, preventing the time losses associated with conventional batch mixing methods.
3Productivity
If conventional hydration units are used, then polymer hydration can be achieved, but operational costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical shearing equipment with electromagnetic radiation systems that require less overall energy input. The direct electromagnetic-polymer interaction is more efficient than mechanical mixing, reducing operational costs while maintaining high hydration productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic radiation method allows the polymer to self-hydrate through direct energy absorption and chain excitation, eliminating the need for continuous mechanical agitation and associated energy consumption. This self-service mechanism reduces operational costs while maintaining effective hydration rates.
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 method allows for rapid and efficient polymer hydration, reducing operational costs and equipment size, while allowing for precise control over the amount of hydrated polymer produced, thereby improving process efficiencies and minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating with radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, a mixture of at least the hydratable polymer and an aqueous hydrotreating medium
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of rapidly hydrating a hydratable polymer, which method involves irradiating with radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, a mixture of at least the polymer and an aqueous hydrotreating medium to form a viscosified mixture of at least aqueous hydrotreating medium and hydrated polymer. Related methods of treating a subterranean formation and continuously hydrotreating a subterranean formation are also revealed.