Silica Scale Control Additive for Subterranean Formation Permeability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Subterranean formations experience reduced conductivity due to silica scale build-up, which clogs pore spaces and obstructs fluid flow, leading to permeability loss and decreased well productivity.

Innovation Solution

A silica scale control additive is introduced into the subterranean formation, either as a coating on particulates or within a treatment fluid, to suppress silica scale formation by increasing solubility and inhibiting polymer chain propagation, thereby preventing silica scale build-up and maintaining permeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hydraulic fracturing is performed to increase formation conductivity, then fluid flow capability is improved, but silica scale build-up occurs which clogs pore spaces and reduces conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow capabilityVSAvoidsilica scale build-up

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silica scale control additive is introduced into the treatment fluid before hydraulic fracturing begins. The additive preemptively suppresses silica scale formation by increasing silica solubility and inhibiting polymer chain propagation, preventing scale build-up before it can occur in the fractured formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A silica scale control additive serves as an intermediary substance between the treatment fluid and the formation minerals. The additive mediates the interaction by chemically suppressing silica scale formation through solubility enhancement and polymer propagation inhibition, preventing direct harmful interaction between formation minerals and fracturing fluids

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If treatment fluid is pumped at high hydraulic pressure to create fractures, then formation conductivity is enhanced, but stress-activated reactions occur causing mineral dissolution and precipitation that reduce conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformation conductivityVSAvoidmineral dissolution and precipitation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silica scale control additive changes the chemical parameters of the treatment fluid by increasing silica solubility and altering polymer chain behavior. This parameter change suppresses the stress-activated dissolution and precipitation reactions that would otherwise reduce formation conductivity after high-pressure fracturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If particulates are deposited in fractures to prevent closing, then fracture conductivity is maintained, but silica scale build-up on particulate surfaces obstructs fluid flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture conductivityVSAvoidsilica scale build-up on particulates

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silica scale control additive acts as an intermediary protective layer between the particulates and the silica scale-forming environment. The additive suppresses silica scale nucleation and growth on particulate surfaces through solubility enhancement and polymer propagation inhibition, maintaining particulate pack permeability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The additive is introduced with the treatment fluid before particulates are deposited in the fractures. This preliminary action ensures silica scale suppression is in place before scale build-up can occur on the particulate surfaces, maintaining long-term fracture conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 inhibits silica scale formation, maintaining the permeability of particulate packs and enhancing the productivity of hydrocarbon or water production from subterranean formations by preventing silica scale build-up and maintaining the integrity of the particulate pack.

Implementation Method 1

suppress silica scale formation by increasing solubility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolubility increase: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

inhibiting polymer chain propagation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymer chain propagation inhibition:

Data Source

PatentUS8796187B2Additives to suppress silica scale build-up

Publication Date: 2014.08.05 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Composition comprising a plurality of particulates wherein at least some particulates are at least partially covered with a coating that impedes the intrusion of water into the particulates; and, a silica scale control additive, wherein the silica scale control additive is capable of suppressing silica scale build-up proximate the plurality of particulates. Some compositions further include a treatment fluid wherein and the silica scale control additive are present in the treatment fluid.