Sand Aggregating Reagents for Downhole Solids Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Particulate metal oxide-containing solids, such as sand, are difficult to handle and process due to their inability to aggregate or cling to each other, leading to challenges in downhole applications like drilling and fracturing, where controlled aggregation is desirable.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising an acidifying agent and a surface modifying agent is applied to metal oxide-containing surfaces to alter their aggregation potential and zeta potential, promoting self-aggregation and adherence, which is particularly effective in downhole environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sand and particulate metal oxide-containing solids are used in downhole applications, then productivity enhancement and formation fracturing are achieved, but the solids accumulate in wells and equipment due to inability to aggregate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface charge parameters (zeta potential) of metal oxide-containing solids by treating them with compositions containing amine and phosphate ester reaction products. This chemical modification alters the electrical properties of the solid surfaces, enabling them to aggregate through electrostatic attraction rather than remaining as free-flowing particles, thus preventing accumulation while maintaining productivity benefits
2Ease of operation
If free-flowing metal oxide particles are used, then ease of handling and pouring is achieved, but controlled aggregation is lost which is needed for downhole applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies aggregation-modifying compositions to metal oxide-containing solids before they are used in downhole applications. This preliminary treatment pre-establishes the aggregation properties of the solids, ensuring they will self-aggregate under downhole conditions without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms during the actual operation
3Strength
If conventional tackifying agents are used on particulate solids, then some adherence is achieved, but self-aggregation capability is not sufficiently improved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite chemical composition containing reaction products of amines and phosphate esters, along with other additives, to treat metal oxide-containing solids. This composite treating agent provides both adherence enhancement and self-aggregation promotion through multiple chemical mechanisms, outperforming conventional single-function tackifying agents
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 effectively converts free-flowing metal oxide particles into aggregated masses, reducing accumulation issues in wells and equipment, enhancing productivity and solids removal during drilling and fracturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the metal oxide-containing surface with a composition under conditions sufficient to chemically modify all or a portion of the surface where the composition includes at least an acidifying agent
Implementation Method 2
a surface modifying agent...imparts to the surface improved aggregating properties or improved particulate adherence or affinity properties
Implementation Method 3
modify an aggregation potential and/or zeta-potential of formation particles and formation surfaces so that the formation particles aggregate and/or cling to themselves
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for treating solid materials is disclosed, where the treating compositions coats surfaces or portions of surfaces of the solid materials changing an aggregation or agglomeration propensity of the materials. Treated solid materials are also disclosed. The methods and treated materials are ideally suited for oil field applications.