Sulfonated Asphalt Additive for Oil-Based Drilling Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in oil field wellbore treatment is the loss of fluids to permeable zones in subterranean formations, leading to increased costs and reduced effectiveness of wellbore servicing fluids.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sulfonated asphalt compound with specific particle size distributions into wellbore treatment fluids to reduce fluid loss, stabilize shales, and modify rheology, thereby enhancing the retention and performance of these fluids within the wellbore and formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wellbore servicing fluids are introduced to treat subterranean formations, then the formation can be prepared for resource recovery, but fluid loss to permeable zones increases costs and reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a fluid loss additive containing sulfonated asphalt particles with specific size distribution (D90 < 215 μm, D50 < 50 μm, D10 < 30 μm) before the main wellbore servicing fluid. This additive pre-forms a filter cake at the wellbore face that prevents subsequent fluid loss to permeable zones, thereby maintaining effectiveness while reducing fluid loss to the formation.
2Loss of substance
If fluid loss reduction additives are added to wellbore servicing fluids, then fluid retention improves, but the complexity of fluid formulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying precise particle size distribution parameters for the sulfonated asphalt particles (D90 < 215 μm, D50 < 50 μm, D10 < 30 μm). These controlled physical parameters optimize the additive's ability to form effective filter cakes while maintaining compatibility with standard wellbore servicing fluids, achieving fluid loss reduction without excessive formulation complexity.
3Loss of substance
If sulfonated asphalt particles with specific size distribution are used, then fluid loss reduces and filter cake quality improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifying different maximum particle size limits at different distribution points (D90 < 215 μm for 90th percentile, D50 < 50 μm for median, D10 < 30 μm for 10th percentile). This multi-level particle size control ensures that the sulfonated asphalt particles form high-quality filter cakes with appropriate pore structures, optimizing fluid loss reduction while providing clear manufacturing specifications.
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 use of sulfonated asphalt additives results in reduced fluid loss, improved shale stabilization, and desirable rheological properties, leading to thinner, lighter filtercakes with reduced potential for differential sticking and less damage to the formation.
Implementation Method 1
the loss of these wellbore servicing fluids to the subterranean formation can present a variety of challenges... materials to reduce the loss of wellbore servicing fluids to the surrounding formation
Implementation Method 2
improved shale stabilization
Data Source
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AI summary
An additive for a wellbore treatment fluid comprising a sulfonated asphalt compound comprising particles having a D90 particle size of less than about 215 µm. A wellbore treatment fluid comprising (i) an oleaginous component and (ii) a sulfonated asphalt wherein the sulfonated asphalt comprises particles having a D90 of less than about 215 µm.