Multi-Component Sealing Composition for Geological Formation Permeability Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing permeability in geological formations to limit liquid or gas inflow, such as cement-based grouts, are ineffective due to premature setting, inadequate penetration, and inability to control set times, leading to unsatisfactory sealing and potential hydrofracturing, especially in unconsolidated matrices like sand or sandstone.
Innovation Solution
A method involving measurement and analysis of site-specific parameters to select components for a multi-component sealing composition, which includes a latex-based component and additives, allowing for controlled set times and penetration, with the ability to adjust the composition in situ to optimize sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cement-based grout is introduced to seal passages and reduce permeability, then sealing capability is improved, but premature setting occurs causing inadequate penetration and hydrofracturing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing composition is divided into multiple components that are introduced separately into the passage. The components remain separate during transport and initial injection, then mix in situ to form the sealing grout. This segmentation prevents premature setting during transport and injection, allowing adequate penetration before sealing occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage is prepared in advance by introducing components separately before the actual sealing reaction occurs. The components are positioned and ready for injection, but the sealing action is delayed until needed in situ, preventing premature setting and hydrofracturing during the injection process.
2Ease of operation
If premixed grout is used for sealing, then application simplicity is improved, but set time cannot be controlled leading to inadequate penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The grout system is segmented into separate components that can be controlled independently. This allows simple application of individual components without the complexity of controlling set time in premixed formulations. The components are introduced separately and mix in situ, providing both simplicity and precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static premixed grout with fixed set time to a dynamic multi-component system where set time can be adjusted based on site conditions. The components remain separate during application and only mix when needed, allowing flexible control over the sealing process.
3Reliability
If sealing composition is introduced to reduce permeability, then liquid and gas inflow is reduced, but inadequate penetration through the matrix occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing composition is segmented into multiple components that travel separately through the passage and matrix. This segmentation allows each component to penetrate deeper without premature setting, increasing the overall penetration depth before the sealing reaction occurs in situ.
Solution Approach 2:
The components are introduced and positioned in advance within the passage and matrix before the sealing reaction occurs. This preliminary introduction allows adequate penetration distance to be achieved, with the sealing action occurring only after the components have reached their target locations.
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 approach effectively reduces liquid and gas inflow by ensuring the sealing composition permeates the formation adequately before setting, providing a reliable and customizable solution for various geological conditions, minimizing waste and preventing hydrofracturing.
Implementation Method 1
ensuring the sealing composition permeates the formation adequately before setting
Implementation Method 2
create sufficient adhesion of particles in the matrix to form an effective seal
Implementation Method 3
introducing said components of said sealing composition into said passage where it is set or coagulated to form a seal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of limiting or reducing permeability of a matrix to liquid or gas flow is described. The method includes limiting inflow of water and/or gas into passages such as cavities, fissures, voids and the like, encountered in formations such as geological formations. The method includes steps of measuring one or more parameters relating to the matrix and selecting one or more components of a multi-component sealing composition with reference to the measured parameters. The selected components are introduced into the passage where it is set or coagulated to form a seal. Method is also described whereby the passage is sealed with a sealing composition comprising a grout component and a grout curing agent. A portion of the grout component is mixed with a portion of grout curing agent, the ratio of each being selected with reference to the measured parameters. The combined grout/curing agent are introduced into the passage where rate of curing or setting is controlled by modifying the ratio.