Tethered Relative Permeability Modifier via Coupling Agent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional relative permeability modifiers (RPMs) used in subterranean formations do not adhere strongly to the formation surface, leading to ineffective long-term control of water production and enhancement of hydrocarbon production.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a coupling agent to tether a relative permeability modifier to the formation surface, where a first wellbore servicing fluid with a coupling agent is introduced, allowed to associate with the formation, followed by a second fluid containing the RPM, which associates with the coupling agent to form a stable tethered complex.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional relative permeability modifiers are used to control water production, then water flow is reduced, but the modifiers do not adhere strongly to the formation surface leading to ineffective long-term control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term effectiveness of water controlVSAvoidadhesion to formation surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coupling agent as an intermediary substance that bridges the relative permeability modifier and the formation surface. The coupling agent contains both a formation surface-binding component and an RPM-compatible component, enabling strong adhesion of the RPM to the formation while maintaining its water control function. This resolves the contradiction by providing a mediator that enhances both adhesion strength and long-term effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite system consisting of the coupling agent and the relative permeability modifier working together. The coupling agent-RPM composite structure combines the adhesion properties of the coupling agent with the water control properties of the RPM, achieving both strong formation surface attachment and effective long-term water production control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional RPMs are used without strong adhesion, then the wellbore servicing process is simple, but the RPM amounts required are high and wellbore lifetime is short

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore lifetimeVSAvoidamount of RPM required

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling agent acts as a mediator that enables more efficient use of the relative permeability modifier. By providing strong adhesion to the formation surface, the coupling agent allows the RPM to remain in place longer, extending wellbore lifetime while reducing the total quantity of RPM material needed compared to conventional methods without adhesion enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional RPMs are used, then the wellbore servicing process is simple, but water production control is ineffective long-term

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term water production controlVSAvoidwellbore servicing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling agent serves as a mediator that enhances the reliability of long-term water production control without significantly complicating the wellbore servicing process. The coupling agent is introduced as part of the RPM formulation or as a separate fluid, and its mechanism of action (chemical adhesion) occurs automatically upon contact with the formation surface, maintaining process simplicity while achieving superior long-term control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 tethered RPM complex effectively reduces water production while maintaining hydrocarbon production, requiring lower RPM amounts and extending wellbore lifetime, with reduced water flow by up to 95% and minimal impact on hydrocarbon production.

Implementation Method 1

introducing into the wellbore a first wellbore servicing fluid comprising a coupling agent, allowing the coupling agent to associate with the surface of the formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS9206345B2Wellbore servicing compositions and methods of making and using same

Publication Date: 2015.12.08 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising tethering a relative permeability modifier to one or more surfaces of the formation via a coupling agent. A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising introducing into the wellbore a first wellbore servicing fluid comprising a coupling agent; allowing the coupling agent to associate with the surface of the formation; introducing into the wellbore a second wellbore servicing fluid comprising a relative permeability modifier; and allowing the relative permeability modifier to associate with the coupling agent. A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising placing into the formation a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a coupling agent and a relative permeability modifier; and allowing the relative permeability modifier to associate with the formation.