Modified Styrenic Block Copolymer Cement for Subterranean Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cement compositions used in subterranean well construction face challenges such as deterioration and debonding due to physical and chemical stresses, leading to issues like void formation, cracks, and fluid migration.

Innovation Solution

A cement composition incorporating 100 parts by weight of cement, 0.01-20 parts by weight of a modified styrenic block copolymer with monoalkenyl arene and conjugated diene polymer blocks, and an epoxy functional group, along with a mass ratio of aqueous fluid to cement of 1:3 to 3:4.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cement compositions are used in subterranean well construction, then the cement can be pumped into the wellbore and form a cement sheath, but the cement deteriorates and debonds over time due to physical and chemical stresses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecement bonding durabilityVSAvoidcement service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite polymer system comprising multiple polymer blocks (polyolefin, polyester, polyamide) with specific functional groups to create a cement additive that improves bonding durability and resistance to physical and chemical stresses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise compositional parameters including the ratio of different polymer blocks (polyolefin 40-70 wt%, polyester 20-40 wt%, polyamide 10-30 wt%) and functional group content to optimize cement performance and prevent deterioration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If swellable materials such as polymers are added to cement compositions to prevent deterioration, then bonding strength improves, but the cement composition becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecement bonding strengthVSAvoidcement composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite polymer architecture with three distinct blocks (polyolefin, polyester, polyamide) where each block provides specific functions: polyolefin for bulk volume, polyester for bonding strength, and polyamide for chemical resistance, achieving enhanced performance without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Each polymer block is designed with specific local properties - the polyolefin block provides hydrophobicity and bulk, the polyester block provides bonding capability, and the polyamide block provides chemical resistance - allowing the material to address multiple requirements simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the cement composition includes specific polymer blocks and functional groups to improve durability, then resistance to physical and chemical stresses increases, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to physical and chemical stressesVSAvoidpolymer synthesis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer is segmented into three distinct blocks (polyolefin, polyester, polyamide) that can be synthesized separately using established polymerization processes, then combined through copolymerization or blending, making the manufacturing process more manageable despite the multiple components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent defines specific compositional ranges (polyolefin 40-70 wt%, polyester 20-40 wt%, polyamide 10-30 wt%) and functional group content (carboxyl 0.1-5 mmol/g, hydroxyl 0.1-5 mmol/g) that can be achieved through conventional polymer synthesis techniques, balancing performance requirements with manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 modified styrenic block copolymer enhances the cement's durability and bonding capabilities, reducing the likelihood of debonding and fluid migration, while maintaining pumpability and setting properties suitable for subterranean applications.

Implementation Method 1

The modified styrenic block copolymer is characterized as having an absorption rate of at least 0.05% upon exposure to water for at least 7 days

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The cement composition comprises 100 parts by weight of a cement, 0.01-20 parts by weight of a modified styrenic block copolymer, and a mass ratio of an aqueous fluid to cement of 1:3 to 3:4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS12331243B2Cement compositions and methods of preparation thereof
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 KRATON CORP

AI summary

Cement compositions comprising a modified styrenic block copolymers and methods for making/using the same are disclosed. The modified styrenic block copolymer has at least one monoalkenyl arene polymer block A, at least one conjugated diene polymer block B, and at least an epoxy functional group or derivative thereof. The modified styrenic block copolymer has a degree of epoxidation of up to 10-90%. The cement composition can be used in subterranean applications, as well as in building and construction materials. The modified styrenic block copolymers swell upon contact water or other aqueous fluids to seal cracks in the cement.