Superabsorbent Polymer Fluid for Subterranean Water and Gas Influx Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wellbores often face issues with water and gas influx from subterranean formations, leading to undesired production and lost circulation of servicing fluids, which can hinder drilling operations and reduce the economic life of hydrocarbon wells.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the introduction of a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) fluid into the wellbore, comprising a reaction product of viscosifying polymeric materials and crosslinking agents, which absorbs water to form a swollen material that impedes fluid flow through permeable zones, thereby blocking influx and lost circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If water/gas shut off fluids are introduced to block water and gas influx, then water and gas production is reduced, but the complexity of the wellbore servicing operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the servicing fluid by incorporating superabsorbent polymer particles that undergo swelling transformation. The SAP particles absorb formation water, swell to form gel structures, and transform from small particles to large gel blocks, fundamentally changing the fluid's ability to plug pores and fractures. This parameter change enables effective water/gas shut-off with a single fluid composition, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material formulation by combining superabsorbent polymer particles with conventional water/gas shut-off fluid components. The SAP particles (polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, or crosslinked polysaccharides) are suspended in the servicing fluid to create a composite system that provides both fluid loss control and zonal isolation functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate treatments.
2Productivity
If lost circulation materials are introduced to reduce fluid loss to formation, then fluid circulation is maintained, but the complexity and cost of materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The servicing fluid achieves multi-functionality by incorporating SAP particles that simultaneously perform three functions: (1) control fluid loss to formation through absorption and gel formation, (2) provide zonal isolation by plugging water/gas influx zones, and (3) maintain circulation by preventing complete fluid loss. This universal fluid eliminates the need for separate lost circulation pills and water/gas shut-off fluids, simplifying the overall material system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional water/gas shut off fluids are used, then water and gas production is reduced, but the mechanical strength of the barrier is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The SAP particles undergo phase transition from a dry particle state to a swollen gel state upon contact with formation water. This phase change involves absorption of water, expansion of polymer chains, and formation of a three-dimensional gel network. The gel structure provides mechanical strength to the barrier, creating a robust plug that can withstand formation pressures and maintain zonal isolation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The swollen SAP gel forms a porous network structure with interconnected channels that can be tuned to match formation pore sizes. The porous gel structure provides mechanical integrity while allowing controlled fluid interaction. The three-dimensional network of the swollen polymer creates a physically strong barrier that effectively blocks water and gas influx through capillary pressure and physical obstruction.
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 SAP fluid effectively reduces water and gas influx, maintains wellbore integrity, and allows for continued drilling by forming a stable physical barrier within the subterranean formation, enhancing the mechanical strength and biodegradability of the swollen hydrogel.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the SAP material to absorb water and form a swollen SAP material
Implementation Method 2
the SAP material to absorb water and form a swollen SAP material
Implementation Method 3
an SAP material including a reaction product of a reaction mixture including one or more viscosifying polymeric materials, one or more crosslinking agents, and water
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, wherein the subterranean formation comprises one or more permeable zones, comprising introducing a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) fluid into the wellbore, wherein the SAP fluid comprises an aqueous fluid and an SAP material comprising a reaction product of a reaction mixture comprising one or more viscosifying polymeric materials, one or more crosslinking agents, and water, allowing the SAP fluid to flow into at least a portion of the one or more permeable zones in the subterranean formation, and allowing the SAP material to absorb water and form a swollen SAP material, wherein the swollen SAP material impedes fluid flow through at least a portion of the one or more permeable zones.