Seabed Solidification via Calcium Carbonate Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
When recovering hydrocarbons from the seabed, the seabed collapses due to cavity formation, causing earth and sand to flow into production wells, blocking the well and preventing hydrocarbon recovery.
Innovation Solution
A hydrocarbon recovery method and system that injects microorganisms producing carbon dioxide or sulfate ions to promote calcium carbonate deposition, preventing earth and sand from entering the production well by using a composition like urea or thiosulfate, combined with pressure regulation to facilitate hydrocarbon extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrocarbons are recovered from the seabed by decompression, then hydrocarbon production is enabled, but the seabed collapses due to cavity formation causing sand and earth to flow into the production well
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by injecting a composition containing calcium ions and carbonate ions into the seabed before hydrocarbon recovery operations begin. These ions react to form calcium carbonate that solidifies the seabed structure in advance, creating a protective framework that prevents sand and earth from flowing into the production well during subsequent decompression and cavity formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by altering the chemical composition and physical state of the seabed through the injection of ionic compositions. The calcium ions and carbonate ions change the seabed's structural parameters by forming solid calcium carbonate deposits, transforming the seabed from a loose, collapse-prone state to a stabilized, solidified state that can withstand the mechanical stresses of hydrocarbon recovery
2Reliability
If the seabed is solidified using calcium carbonate deposition, then sand and earth are prevented from entering the well, but the complexity of the recovery system increases due to additional injection apparatus and composition requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an injection apparatus that can deliver multiple functions through a single system: it injects both calcium ions and carbonate ions, which then react to form calcium carbonate for seabed solidification. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into one integrated apparatus, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the reliability goal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary substance approach by introducing a composition containing both calcium ions and carbonate ions as a mediator between the injection apparatus and the seabed. This intermediary composition facilitates the chemical reaction that produces calcium carbonate in situ, simplifying the system compared to methods that would require separate injection systems for different materials or post-injection treatment 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 method effectively solidifies the seabed around the production well, preventing earth and sand from entering and improving hydrocarbon recovery efficiency by stabilizing the seabed and maintaining well integrity.
Implementation Method 1
injecting, into the production well, a composition used for producing carbon dioxide or sulfate ions by microorganisms that produce carbon dioxide or sulfate ions for promoting a deposition of calcium carbonate
Implementation Method 2
producing carbon dioxide or sulfate ions for promoting a deposition of calcium carbonate
Implementation Method 3
microorganisms that produce carbon dioxide or sulfate ions for promoting a deposition of calcium carbonate
Implementation Method 4
decompressing an inside of the production well after the composition is injected; and recovering the hydrocarbons in a state in which the inside of the production well is decompressed
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrocarbon recovery method for recovering a production fluid containing hydrocarbons from a production well provided in the seabed in which microorganisms that produce carbon dioxide or sulfate ions for promoting a deposition of calcium carbonate exist, the method includes: an injecting process of injecting, into the production well, a composition used for producing carbon dioxide or sulfate ions by the microorganisms; a decompressing process of decompressing an inside of the production well after the composition is injected; and a recovering process of recovering the hydrocarbons in a state in which the inside of the production well is decompressed.