Thermostable Cellulase Enzyme for Flowback Fluid Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The treatment of flowback fluids in the oil and gas discovery and drilling industry is inefficient, requiring significant resources and time, and there is a need for effective methods to recycle these fluids for further use.
Innovation Solution
A polynucleotide sequence encoding a thermostable and thermotolerant cellulase enzyme is provided, which can be used to treat flowback fluids, allowing for their reuse by degrading polysaccharides and reducing viscosity, thereby facilitating their recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical breakers are used to treat flowback fluids, then the fluids can be broken down, but the treatment process is inefficient and requires significant resources and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the treatment approach by replacing chemical breakers with enzymatic catalysts (cellulases). This biological parameter change enables more efficient degradation of polysaccharides in flowback fluids, directly improving productivity while reducing treatment time compared to conventional chemical methods
2Productivity
If chemical breakers are used to treat flowback fluids, then the fluids can be broken down, but the process requires significant resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical treatment mechanisms with biological enzymatic mechanisms. Cellulase enzymes catalyze the breakdown of polysaccharides through biological action rather than chemical reactions, reducing the quantity of chemical substances required while maintaining or improving treatment efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs enzymes that can be used in controlled amounts for effective treatment. The enzymatic approach allows for precise dosing where enzymes perform their catalytic function and are then depleted, providing a resource-efficient alternative to continuous chemical addition
3Adaptability or versatility
If cellulase enzyme is used to degrade polysaccharides, then viscosity is reduced and fluids can be recycled, but the enzyme must maintain activity under specific conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the enzyme's local properties by selecting cellulases with specific characteristics suited for flowback fluid treatment. The enzyme preparation is tailored to maintain stability and activity under the specific temperature, pH, and salinity conditions present in flowback fluids, ensuring reliable performance in this particular application environment
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 the thermostable cellulase enzyme effectively breaks down polysaccharides in flowback fluids, reducing viscosity and enabling the recycling of these fluids for additional drilling operations, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution compared to chemical breakers.
Implementation Method 1
The use of the thermostable cellulase enzyme effectively breaks down polysaccharides in flowback fluids, reducing viscosity
Data Source
AI summary
Polynucleotide sequences are provided encoding a thermostable cellulase and directing its increased expression are provided, and the use of the thermostable cellulase in hydraulic fracturing methods and the treatment of flowback fluids.