Self-Degradation Swelling Diverter System for Subterranean Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean operations, effective fluid loss control and temporary fluid diversion are challenging due to incomplete formation of fluid seals, leading to unwanted fluid influx and increased operational costs, with existing solutions failing to efficiently remove diverting substances after use.
Innovation Solution
The use of self-degradation swelling compositions comprising swelling agents and oxidizing agents that form a diverter plug in subterranean formations, reducing permeability and allowing for controlled fluid diversion, with the oxidizing agent breaking down the swelling agent to reverse the plug formation and facilitate removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diverter plug is formed to block fluid flow in a subterranean formation, then fluid loss control and diversion effectiveness are improved, but the ability to restore formation permeability and remove the blocking substance becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing temperature-dependent solubility characteristics. The blocking substance is selected to have low solubility at treatment temperatures (forming effective plugs) but high solubility at reservoir temperatures (enabling removal). This temperature-parameter transformation allows the same substance to provide both reliable fluid sealing during treatment and easy removal afterward by injecting warm treatment fluids that dissolve the plug material.
2Reliability
If a blocking substance is introduced to divert fluid flow, then fluid diversion effectiveness is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase due to additional remedial operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a blocking substance that automatically degrades and removes itself after performing its diversion function. The temperature-sensitive solubility characteristic causes the plug material to dissolve when exposed to warm treatment fluids injected during subsequent operations, eliminating the need for separate remedial operations to remove the diverter plug. This self-removing property simplifies operational complexity while maintaining effective fluid diversion during the treatment process.
3Productivity
If a diverter plug is formed to control fluid loss, then production rate improvement is achieved, but formation damage may occur that impairs long-term production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes through temperature-dependent solubility to prevent formation damage. The blocking substance is specifically selected to dissolve at reservoir temperatures, ensuring that when warm treatment fluids are injected, the plug material dissolves and is carried away, preventing any long-term accumulation or damage to the formation. This allows temporary fluid loss control during injection while ensuring complete removal afterward, maintaining formation integrity and long-term productivity.
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 reduces fluid influx and allows for controlled diversion, improving operational efficiency by forming and removing a diverter plug, thereby reducing operational costs and enhancing production rates.
Implementation Method 1
The swelling agent has an unswelled size and swells upon contact with the aqueous fluid in the treatment fluid
Implementation Method 2
The oxidizing agent breaks down the swelling agent upon contact with the aqueous fluid at certain subterranean formation temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A method including introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation having a downhole temperature in the range of between about 60° C. to about 95° C. The treatment fluid comprises an aqueous fluid, a swelling agent, and an oxidizing agent. Forming a diverter plug at a first permeable zone in the subterranean formation with the swelling agent, and breaking at least a portion of the swelling agent with the oxidizing agent.