Silane-Based Aggregating Coatings for Sand Control and Hydrocarbon Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aggregating agents for particulate materials and surfaces in downhole applications are inadequate in enhancing fluid flow and self-aggregation properties, particularly in oil and gas production, where controlling sand and fines migration remains a challenge.
Innovation Solution
Compositions comprising heterocyclic aromatic amines, substituted heterocyclic aromatic amines, and co-polymers reacted with sulfonic acids and alpha hydroxyl carboxylic acids form coatings that alter the aggregation propensity of particles and surfaces, improving hydrocarbon liquid and gas flow while reducing water flow, and are suitable for filtering fines and sand control in oil/gas well drilling and production processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If epoxy resins, phenolic resins, and tackifying agents are used to aggregate particulate materials, then aggregation properties are improved, but fluid flow through and around the particles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and physical properties of aggregating agents. Specifically, it uses silane-based compounds with controlled molecular weight, functional groups, and crosslinking density to create aggregates that maintain porosity and permeability, thereby preserving fluid flow while achieving reliable aggregation of particulate materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining silane-based aggregating agents with particulate materials to form aggregated structures that incorporate both the binding agent and the particles in a porous network. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of aggregation stability and fluid flow pathways through the aggregate matrix.
2Reliability
If aggregating agents are used to control sand and fines migration, then particle aggregation is improved, but hydrocarbon fluid flow through the formation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by designing aggregated particulate structures with controlled porosity and pore size distribution. The silane-based aggregating agents form a binding matrix that maintains interconnected pore spaces, allowing hydrocarbon fluids to flow through the aggregated sand and fines while still providing mechanical support and migration control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical parameters of the aggregating agent including molecular weight, functional group density, and crosslinking extent to optimize the balance between aggregation strength and pore structure preservation. These parameter adjustments ensure that aggregates are strong enough to control sand migration but porous enough to maintain hydrocarbon flow.
3Reliability
If inner salt of alkyl pyridinium phosphate ester is used to decrease zeta potential and enhance agglomeration, then aggregation propensity is improved, but surface property modification for fluid flow enhancement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from phosphate ester-based agents to silane-based compounds with adjustable molecular weight, functional groups, and crosslinking density. This enables precise control over surface chemistry and physical properties, providing versatile surface modification that enhances both aggregation and fluid flow characteristics simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining silane-based aggregating agents with particulate surfaces to form coated or aggregated structures with tailored surface properties. The silane compounds provide both aggregation functionality and surface modification capabilities, creating composite structures that exhibit improved aggregation propensity and enhanced fluid flow properties.
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 coatings enhance the self-aggregation and adhesion of particles to surfaces with similar properties, effectively controlling sand and fines migration, improving hydrocarbon flow, and are applicable in various downhole operations including drilling, fracturing, and enhanced oil recovery.
Implementation Method 1
the aggregating agents modify surface properties of the materials, surfaces, and/or substrates increasing their aggregating propensity or properties
Implementation Method 2
the coating modifies surface properties of the materials, surfaces, and/or substrates to improve the liquid hydrocarbon or gas fluid flow around and through the solid materials
Data Source
AI summary
Composition and methods using the compositions are disclosed, where the compositions include heterocyclic aromatic amines, substituted heterocyclic aromatic amines, poly vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amines, co-polymers of vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amine and non amine polymerizable monomers (ethylenically unsaturated mononers and diene monomers), or mixtures or combinations thereof reacted with sulfonic acids, alkyl sulfonic acids, sulfosuccinates, sulfamic acids, sulfuric acids or partially neutralized amine or other alkali sulfonate and/or reacted with alpha hydroxyl carboxcylic acids which form coatings that alter self-aggregating properties and/or aggregation propensities of the particles and surfaces. Furthermore, the coating can be used to improve filtration of fluids through particulate matter and it is found that the coating will increase hydrocarbon liquid and gas flow through or over treated particulates and surfaces.