Solid Scale Inhibitor Powder for Fracking Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solid scale inhibitors in fracking operations have a limited lifespan and can cause formation damage when they dissolve, as they often require substrates or encapsulation, leading to obstruction in flow paths and reduced operational efficiency due to their non-dissolvable nature.

Innovation Solution

A powdered composition of a salt and an acid, specifically hydroxyapatite and phosphonic acid, is used to create a 100% dissolvable scale inhibitor with a small particle size, which increases the dissolution rate of the salt and decreases the solubility of the acid, preventing scale buildup and extending the lifespan of the inhibitor up to 10 years without contributing to scale formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional scale inhibitors are attached to insoluble surfaces to prolong lifespan, then duration of action is improved, but harmful factors increase due to migration and buildup in conduits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifespan of scale inhibitorVSAvoidformation damage from insoluble obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solubility parameter of the scale inhibitor by using a water-soluble polymer backbone instead of attaching to insoluble surfaces. This allows the inhibitor to remain in solution throughout its lifespan, eliminating migration and buildup issues while maintaining prolonged duration of action through controlled degradation of the polymer chain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a biodegradable polymer backbone that gradually degrades over time, allowing the scale inhibitor to function temporarily and then naturally break down. This disposable approach eliminates the need for insoluble carriers while ensuring complete dissolution after use, preventing formation damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Duration of action of moving object

If solid scale inhibitors are made non-dissolvable to increase lifespan, then duration of action is improved, but loss of substance increases due to obstruction in flow paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifespan of scale inhibitorVSAvoidobstruction in conduits

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the dissolution parameter by designing a water-soluble polymer backbone with controlled solubility characteristics. The inhibitor remains dissolved during operation to prevent obstruction, then gradually degrades to extend functional lifespan, ultimately completing dissolution to eliminate obstruction issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If particle size is reduced to reach deeper fractures, then effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-scale effectivenessVSAvoidparticle size control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a powdered formulation with specific particle size distribution optimized for fracture penetration. The polymer backbone structure allows for controlled particle formation during manufacturing, enabling precise particle size control while maintaining the small size needed for deep fracture effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 powdered composition effectively inhibits scale formation by binding to ions and suspended solids, ensuring prolonged operation without causing formation damage, as it is fully dissolvable and can reach deeper into fractures without obstructing flow paths, significantly increasing the lifespan of fracking sites.

Implementation Method 1

the acid decreases the dissolution rate of the salt, thereby preventing the salt from contributing to scaling formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution rate control: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

The powdered composition effectively inhibits scale formation by binding to ions and suspended solids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS11365343B1Solid scale inhibitor and method of manufacture

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 STROBEL JONATHAN R

AI summary

A solid scale inhibitor for use in fracking operations to inhibit scale build up, includes a powdered composition having a salt component and an acid component; the powdered composition is 100% dissolvable; and the acid component increases the dissolution rate associated with the salt component, thereby preventing the salt component from contributing to scaling formation in one or more production lines within a fracking operation. While both the salt and the acid in the present invention inhibit scale formation on their own, the acid (HEDP in the preferred embodiment) dissolves quickly, while the salt (HA in the preferred embodiment) dissolves very slowly; by combining the two, the dissolution rate of the acid is slowed and the dissolution rate of the salt is increased. Thus providing for an effective long term solid scale inhibitor.