Tagged Scale-Inhibiting Polymers for Oilfield Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scale formation in water-containing systems, particularly in oilfield production, is challenging due to the difficulty in maintaining effective concentrations of scale-inhibiting chemicals, which are prone to loss through adsorption and degradation, leading to potential blockages and reduced oil flow.
Innovation Solution
Development of tagged scale-inhibiting polymers with detectable tagging units, such as those derived from monomers with conjugated aromatic rings, which can be continuously measured and replenished to maintain effective concentrations, preventing scale formation in systems like oil recovery and industrial water systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scale-inhibiting chemicals are used to prevent scale formation, then scale deposition is reduced, but the chemicals are lost through adsorption and degradation requiring frequent replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring scale inhibitor concentration through tagged polymer detection. The system measures the actual concentration in produced fluids and uses this information to determine when replenishment is needed, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual conditions rather than following a fixed schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The tagged polymer enables the system to self-monitor its own concentration status. The detectable tags allow the system to automatically assess whether sufficient inhibitor remains without external intervention, enabling autonomous decision-making about when to replenish based on actual consumption rates.
2Reliability
If squeeze treatment is used to apply scale inhibitor into formation, then scale control is improved, but the concentration diminishes over time requiring repeat operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses continuous monitoring of inhibitor concentration in produced fluids to determine when the squeeze treatment effectiveness has diminished. This feedback enables optimization of repeat squeeze timing based on actual concentration decay rates rather than fixed schedules, maximizing the duration of effective scale control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static, scheduled squeeze treatments to a dynamic system where treatment timing is adjusted based on real-time concentration measurements. The system adapts to varying depletion rates caused by different production conditions, optimizing the duration and effectiveness of each squeeze treatment.
3Reliability
If individual wells are treated with scale control chemicals in subsea tiebacks, then scale formation is prevented, but analysis of chemical concentration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tagged polymers as intermediaries that simplify analysis. The tags serve as detectable markers that can be measured using straightforward analytical methods, converting the complex task of analyzing polymer concentration into a simpler detection problem that can be performed on individual well streams before combining fluids.
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 tagged polymers effectively prevent scale formation by maintaining optimal inhibitor concentrations, reducing the need for frequent re-squeeze operations and minimizing production disruptions, while being resistant to salts and temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
tagging units are units deriving from a monomer having the following formula: X2C═CYY′, wherein Y′ is a group having formula -L-Arom, wherein Arom is a group comprising at least two conjugated aromatic rings
Data Source
AI summary
Tagged scale-inhibiting polymers, compositions comprised thereof and preventing or controlling scale formation therewith, the tagging units being units deriving from a monomer having the formula X2C═CYY′ wherein X is a hydrogen atom, or a C1-C4 alkyl radical, Y is a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl radical, Y′ is a radical having formula -L-Arom, wherein L is a covalent bond or a divalent organic linking group optionally comprising heteroatoms, and Arom is a group comprising at least two conjugated aromatic rings, said rings comprising conjugated carbon atoms, and, linked to said carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms or other substituents.