Sugar Acid Breaking Agents for Wellbore Filter Cake Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing filter cakes from wellbores using strong acids pose risks of corrosion and formation damage, and high pH solutions are ineffective due to the inactivity of low pH chelating agents in such environments.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore servicing fluid comprising a breaking agent, such as a sugar acid or its precursor, which forms a stable complex with metal ions, is used to effectively remove filter cakes without causing corrosion or formation damage, even in high pH environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If strong acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid) or low pH solutions are used to remove filter cake, then filter cake removal efficiency is improved, but corrosion risk to wellbore equipment increases and wormhole formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter from acidic (low pH) to basic (high pH greater than 7) to remove filter cake. This parameter change allows the use of sugar acid-based breaking agents that effectively chelate metal ions in the filter cake at high pH, achieving filter cake removal without the corrosion and wormhole problems associated with strong acids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sugar acid-based breaking agents as intermediary substances that mediate between the basic solution and the filter cake. These breaking agents form stable complexes with metal ions in the filter cake through chelation, enabling effective removal without requiring strong acids. The sugar acid acts as a bridge that facilitates filter cake breakdown while maintaining solution basicity to prevent corrosion
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high pH solutions (pH greater than 7) are used to remove filter cake, then corrosion risk is reduced, but breaking agent effectiveness decreases due to inactivity of low pH chelating agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops breaking agents specifically designed to function at high pH conditions. By modifying the chemical structure and properties of the breaking agents (using sugar acids with appropriate functional groups), they maintain high chelating effectiveness in basic environments where conventional low pH chelating agents would be inactive
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sugar acid-based breaking agents that are effective at high pH and can be used as single-use treatments. These agents are designed to perform their chelating function efficiently in the basic environment, then are discarded with the removed filter cake, eliminating the need for complex pH adjustment and agent recovery processes
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 sugar acid-based breaking agent efficiently removes filter cakes while minimizing damage to the wellbore equipment and formation, preventing corrosion and wormhole formation, and maintaining effective complexation with metal ions.
Implementation Method 1
the breaking agent comprises a sugar acid... which forms a stable complex with metal ions
Implementation Method 2
the filter cake breaking agents that chelate the metal ions from the filter cake
Data Source
AI summary
A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising (i) a breaking agent, a breaking agent precursor, or combinations thereof, wherein the breaking agent comprises a sugar acid and (ii) an aqueous base fluid, and contacting the wellbore servicing fluid with a filter cake in the wellbore and/or subterranean formation.