Shape-Changing Polymers for Reversible Lost Circulation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lost circulation materials (LCMs) used in subterranean operations can only change shape once and do not revert back to their original state, limiting their effectiveness in various drilling fluids and well conditions, necessitating the need for novel materials that can change shape multiple times and maintain their structure in different temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
The development of shape-changing polymer structures, specifically polymeric units that can elongate or contract reversibly with temperature changes, allowing them to be folded or rolled into compact forms for deployment and expand or contract in response to downhole temperatures, enhancing their functionality in drilling fluids and wellbore applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lost circulation materials are used, then they can control fluid loss in subterranean zones, but they can only change shape once and do not revert back to their original state, limiting their effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing temperature as a triggering parameter to induce reversible shape changes in the polymer structure. The polymer transitions between contracted and extended states based on temperature variations, enabling multiple cycles of shape change and recovery, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic behavior to the lost circulation material through reversible shape changes. The polymer structure can dynamically adjust its configuration in response to temperature changes, transitioning from a contracted state during deployment to an extended state during recovery, and back again, providing continuous adaptability and enhanced reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If polymers are used to change shape in response to fluid properties, then they can adapt to different treatment fluids, but the shape changing is often triggered by a change in fluid properties, requiring different polymer materials for different treatment fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a polymer structure that responds to temperature changes rather than fluid composition changes. This universal temperature-triggered mechanism allows the same polymer material to function effectively across different treatment fluid types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized polymer materials and reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Shape
If the substrate structure dissolves in the fluid, then the polymer can change shape, but the polymer is not able to revert back to its original state
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses parameter changes by triggering shape changes through reversible temperature-induced conformational transitions rather than substrate dissolution. The polymer structure maintains its integrity while undergoing reversible shape changes, allowing it to return to its original state after deformation, thus resolving the contradiction between shape change capability and compositional stability.
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
These shape-changing polymers can be used in a variety of drilling fluids, maintain their structure, and revert back to their original shape, providing improved performance in controlling lost circulation and enhancing wellbore operations by maintaining hydrostatic pressure and preventing crossflows or blowouts.
Implementation Method 1
shape changing polymer structures, specifically polymeric units that can elongate or contract reversibly with temperature changes
Implementation Method 2
capable of reversibly extending and reversibly contracting with changes in temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore treatment fluid containing lost circulation materials and methods for using the treatment fluid, the fluid including a carrier fluid and shape changing polymer structures. The shape changing polymer structures may be folded or rolled into various cross-sectional surface area reducing configurations and are capable of reversibly extending and reversibly contracting with changes in temperature. The materials forming the shape changing polymer structures may include at least one selected from poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)], poly(ω-pentadecalactone), poly(ε-caprolactone), and copolymers thereof. A method for utilizing the treatment fluid for creation or maintenance of a well includes forming or providing the treatment fluid and introducing the treatment fluid into a borehole.