Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticle Emulsion for Injection Well Injectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for redistributing filtration flows in the bottom-hole formation zone of injection wells are limited by low thermal stability, multicomponent compositions, and irreversible blocking effects, which reduce the efficiency of oil and gas recovery and increase environmental harm.
Innovation Solution
The method involves injecting an emulsion system with nanoparticles of silicon dioxide (ESN) into the bottom-hole formation zone, which comprises diesel fuel, an emulsifier, colloidal nanoparticles of silicon dioxide, and an aqueous solution of calcium chloride or potassium chloride. This composition provides high mechanical and thermal stability, reversibility of the blocking effect, and self-adjusting viscosity properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional emulsion compositions are used for leveling injectivity profile, then blocking effect is achieved, but thermal stability is low (80°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating heat-resistant polymers (polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acid) and adjusting the emulsion formulation to withstand temperatures up to 140°C, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving blocking effect and maintaining thermal stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite emulsion system combining multiple components including polymers, surfactants, and inorganic additives that work synergistically to provide both blocking capability and high thermal stability, overcoming the limitation of conventional single-composition emulsions
2Reliability
If water-absorbing polymers are used to level injectivity profile, then blocking effect is achieved, but the composition requires buffer packs and multicomponent formulation which complicates implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single injectable composition by combining blocking agents, viscosity modifiers, and stabilization components into one formulation that can be injected without buffer packs, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining effective blocking
Solution Approach 2:
The composition is designed to be self-stabilizing and self-regulating within the reservoir, automatically adjusting to reservoir conditions without requiring external buffer packs or complex injection systems, enabling simpler field implementation
3Reliability
If conventional blocking compositions are used, then injectivity profile is leveled, but the blocking effect is irreversible and uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic, controllable blocking mechanisms where the blocking effect can be activated, adjusted, or reversed based on reservoir conditions and injection parameters, transforming static irreversible blocking into a dynamic controllable process that adapts to operational requirements
4Reliability
If multicomponent compositions are used for leveling injectivity, then blocking effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm increases and implementation is more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biodegradable polymers and environmentally benign components that break down into harmless substances after performing their blocking function, replacing persistent multicomponent formulations with single-phase biodegradable emulsions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining effectiveness
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 ESN effectively redistributes filtration flows, increasing the technological efficiency of well operation, expanding the composition's applicability in oil and gas reservoirs, simplifying the implementation process, and reducing harmful environmental impact by ensuring a reversible blocking effect.
Implementation Method 1
injecting an emulsion system with nanoparticles of silicon dioxide (ESN) into the bottom-hole formation zone
Implementation Method 2
colloidal nanoparticles of silicon dioxide... effectively redistributes filtration flows... blocking effect
Implementation Method 3
The emulsifier comprises... non-ionic surfactants (NIS)... provides high mechanical and thermal stability
Implementation Method 4
emulsion system with nanoparticles of silicon dioxide (ESN)... comprises... an emulsifier
Implementation Method 5
a water-absorbing polymer incorporated into an inert carrier... increases water saturation up to 50-60%
Implementation Method 6
Oil and gas are displaced from rocks by the external agent—injected water... Formation fluids and water injected from the surface are filtered simultaneously
Implementation Method 7
energy reserves are spent mainly for overcoming forces of viscous friction... hydraulic resistance... is proportional to a liquid flow rate and viscosity
Implementation Method 8
energy reserves are spent mainly for overcoming forces of viscous friction, capillary forces and adhesive forces
Implementation Method 9
energy reserves are spent mainly for overcoming forces of viscous friction, capillary forces and adhesive forces
Data Source
AI summary
A method for leveling the injectivity profile of an injection well involves pumping into the bottom-hole formation zone a blocking agent in the form of an emulsion system containing nanoparticles of silicon dioxide and being comprised of: 5-12 vol % diesel fuel, 2-3 vol % emulsifier, 0.25-1.0 vol % colloidal nanoparticles of silicon dioxide, with the remainder being an aqueous solution of calcium chloride or potassium chloride. The emulsifier is in the form of a composition comprising: 40-42 vol % esters of linoleic or oleic acids and resin acids, 0.7-1 vol % amine oxide, 0.5-1 vol % suspension of lime in diesel fuel or suspension of bentonite in diesel fuel, with the remainder being diesel fuel.