Solubilized Polymer Concentrates for Oil-Based Drilling Fluids
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Oil-based well drilling and servicing fluids face significant fluid loss issues due to their inability to effectively prevent migration into subterranean formations, leading to inefficiencies and potential formation damage, especially when using polymeric additives that are difficult to dissolve in low-aromatic hydrocarbon oils.
Innovation Solution
The development of a polymeric composition and method involving an oil-soluble polymer and an organophilic polyphenolic fluid loss control agent, dissolved and dispersed in an aromatic-free paraffinic hydrocarbon oil, to form concentrates that are added to oil-based muds to reduce fluid loss, with specific mixing conditions to ensure solubility and effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymeric additives are used to control fluid loss in oil-based drilling fluids, then fluid loss control is improved, but the additives are difficult to dissolve in low-aromatic hydrocarbon oils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the base oil by incorporating aromatic hydrocarbons (such as trimethylbenzene) into the low-aromatic hydrocarbon base. This parameter change enables the polymeric additives to dissolve effectively while maintaining overall low aromatic content, thus resolving the contradiction between solubility and fluid loss control effectiveness.
2Loss of substance
If conventional fluid loss control additives are used, then some fluid loss reduction is achieved, but unacceptable high losses continue to fractures and porous structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite fluid loss control system combining multiple components: polymeric additives (such as styrene-butadiene copolymer), organophilic clay viscosifier, and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents. This composite approach creates a multi-functional system that addresses both viscous and porous formation losses simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of single-component additives.
3Productivity
If oil-based drilling fluids are used to lubricate drilling tools and remove cuttings, then drilling operations are enabled, but substantial amounts of fluid are lost to formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluid loss control additives to the drilling fluid before it contacts the formation. The polymeric additives and organophilic clay are pre-mixed and solubilized in the base oil, creating a prepared system that forms protective filter cakes at the wellbore interface. This preliminary action prevents fluid loss before substantial formation damage can occur, maintaining productivity while reducing losses.
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 significantly reduces fluid loss in oil-based muds, maintaining fluid efficiency and preventing formation damage by ensuring the additives are fully soluble and effective, even at elevated temperatures, thereby enhancing the stability and performance of drilling and servicing operations.
Implementation Method 1
an oil-soluble polymer and an organophilic polyphenolic fluid loss control agent, dissolved and dispersed in an aromatic-free paraffinic hydrocarbon oil, to form concentrates
Implementation Method 2
an oil-soluble polymer and an organophilic polyphenolic fluid loss control agent, dissolved and dispersed in an aromatic-free paraffinic hydrocarbon oil
Implementation Method 3
Most subterranean wells are drilled with the intent of forming a filter cake of varying thickness on the sides of the borehole. The primary purpose of the filter cake is to reduce the large losses of drilling fluid to the surrounding formation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides concentrates for reducing the fluid loss on an oil base well drilling or servicing fluid, the concentrates comprising an oleagineous liquid and (1) a polymer which is solublized in the oleagineous liquid, or (2) a polymer which is solublized in the oleaginous liquid together with an organophilic polyphenolic material which is solublized and/or dispersed in the oleagineous liquid. The method of preparing the concentrate and the method of reducing the fluid loss of an oil base well drilling or servicing fluid utilizing the concentrates is also disclosed. The preferred oil soluble polymer is a styrene-butadiene rubber crumb. The preferred oleagineous liquid is an aromatic-free hydrogenated oil essentially containing only saturated hydrocarbons. The preferred polyphenolic material is a source of humic acid, such as mined lignite.