Thermoassociative Polymers for Subterranean Fluid Loss Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lost circulation materials fail to effectively control fluid loss in subterranean formations during drilling and other treatment operations, leading to undesirable losses of expensive drilling fluids and time, and potential well abandonment.
Innovation Solution
The use of thermoassociative polymers with a water-soluble polymeric backbone and hydrophobic moieties, which alter rheological properties at specific temperatures to enhance viscosity and reduce fluid loss, is introduced into subterranean formations to control fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lost circulation materials are used, then fluid loss control is attempted, but they fail to effectively control fluid loss in subterranean formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing temperature-responsive polymers that alter their conformation and viscosity based on temperature changes. The polymers transition from a coiled state at low temperature to an extended state at high temperature, changing the fluid's rheological properties in response to temperature parameters to effectively control fluid loss in subterranean formations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining temperature-responsive polymers with hydrophobic moieties attached to polymeric backbones. This composite structure creates a material that exhibits both thermal responsiveness and hydrophobic interactions, enhancing the overall effectiveness of fluid loss control through multiple mechanisms working synergistically.
2Loss of substance
If drilling fluid viscosity is increased to prevent fluid loss, then fluid loss control improves, but drilling operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using temperature-responsive polymers that dynamically adjust the fluid's viscosity based on temperature conditions. The polymers remain relatively inactive at lower temperatures (allowing efficient drilling operations) and become active at higher temperatures (providing fluid loss control), creating a dynamic system that adapts to changing downhole conditions rather than maintaining constant high viscosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by exploiting the temperature-viscosity relationship of the responsive polymers. The fluid's viscosity parameter changes in response to temperature changes, allowing the system to maintain low viscosity during surface operations for efficiency while achieving high viscosity at downhole temperatures for fluid loss control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If drilling fluid viscosity is increased to suspend cuttings, then cuttings suspension improves, but fluid circulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using temperature-responsive polymers that provide conditional viscosity enhancement. The polymers maintain low viscosity during circulation operations, ensuring easy fluid circulation and pumpability, then transition to high viscosity at downhole temperatures to provide adequate cuttings suspension and fluid loss control, thus dynamically balancing these conflicting requirements.
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 thermoassociative polymers increase the viscosity of treatment fluids, reducing fluid loss into the formation, and can maintain enhanced viscosity even at elevated temperatures, thus providing effective lost circulation control and stability during subterranean treatments.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer exhibits thermoassociation at a first temperature Tassoc
Implementation Method 2
one or more hydrophobic moieties have been attached (e.g., grafted) to the polymer backbone
Implementation Method 3
one or more tuning additives that changes the temperature at which at least one of the polymers exhibits thermoassociation from Tassoc to a second temperature Tassoc'
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods for use in subterranean treatment fluids involving thermoassociative polymers are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include providing a treatment fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid, one or more thermoassociative polymers that include a water soluble polymeric backbone having one or more hydrophobic moieties attached to the polymer backbone, wherein the thermoassociative polymer exhibits thermoassociation at a first temperature Tassoc, and one or more tuning additives that changes the temperature at which at least one of the thermoassociative polymers exhibits thermoassociation from Tassoc to a second temperature Tassoc′; and introducing the treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation.