Stabilized Aqueous Polymer Compositions for High-Temperature Well Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aqueous polymer compositions used in well treatment fluids degrade at high temperatures, leading to a reduction in rheological properties and hindering effective operations in deep subterranean deposits where temperatures exceed 150°C.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first stabilizer, such as a condensed heterocyclic system with nitrogen and sulfur ring heteroatoms, or a combination of this stabilizer with phenothiazine, into the polymer composition to maintain chemical and rheological stability under harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aqueous polymer compositions are used in high temperature well treatment operations, then the fluid can perform its intended functions (viscosification, friction reduction, etc.), but the polymer degrades thermally, chemically and mechanically leading to reduction in rheological properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces stabilizer compounds (such as mercaptobenzothiazole, benzothiazole, or other sulfur-containing compounds) as intermediary substances that mediate between the polymer and the harsh high-temperature environment. These stabilizers act as protective agents that prevent direct degradation of the polymer chains while allowing the fluid to maintain its functional properties at elevated temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining the aqueous polymer composition with specific stabilizer compounds. This composite formulation integrates the beneficial properties of both components: the polymer provides the desired rheological properties and functional performance, while the stabilizer compound provides thermal and chemical stability, resulting in a synergistic effect that prevents degradation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the well treatment fluid is used in deeper strata with temperatures exceeding 150°C, then more subterranean deposits can be accessed, but the polymer deterioration accelerates creating serious obstacles in operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the well treatment fluid by incorporating specific stabilizer compounds. This parameter change transforms the fluid's resistance to thermal degradation, enabling it to withstand temperatures exceeding 150°C that would otherwise cause rapid polymer deterioration. The stabilizer compounds alter the chemical structure and stability parameters of the polymer solution.
3Productivity
If conventional polymer compositions are used without stabilizers, then the formulation is simple and cost-effective, but the rheological properties deteriorate at elevated temperatures reducing operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by incorporating small amounts of stabilizer compounds (typically 0.01-5% by weight) rather than using large quantities or complex multi-component stabilization systems. This partial addition of stabilizers is sufficient to prevent degradation and maintain operational effectiveness, avoiding unnecessary complexity while achieving the desired protective effect.
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 addition of small amounts of these stabilizers effectively prevents degradation, ensuring the polymer composition's performance and stability even at elevated temperatures, thus enhancing the effectiveness of well treatment fluids in high-temperature applications.
Implementation Method 1
the applied polymers deteriorate, for example by thermal, chemical or physical stress degradation. This leads to a reduction in rheological properties of the aqueous polymer composition
Implementation Method 2
The polymer used in aqueous polymer compositions of the present invention contains groups which are capable of complex formation with ions, preferably multivalent metal ions
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are stabilized aqueous polymer compositions containing A) a stabilizing amount of at least a first stabilizer comprising a heterocyclic condensed ringsystem containing nitrogen and sulphur ring heteroatoms with the exception of a phenothiazine compound or containing a stabilizing amount of said first stabilizer with a phenothiazine compound; and B) at least one polymer comprising groups which are capable of complex formation with ions. The aqueous polymer compositions are stabilized against thermal or other degradation processes of the polymer by addition of component A) to allow their use even under harsh conditions.