Transient Polymer Networks for Shale Inhibition in Aqueous Drilling Fluids

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional aqueous-based treatment fluids used in subterranean operations often fail to provide adequate shale inhibition and thermal stability at high temperatures and pressures, leading to wellbore instability and reduced performance, while oil-based fluids are more effective but less environmentally friendly and more costly.

Innovation Solution

The use of treatment fluids comprising an aqueous base fluid and a transient polymer network, which forms associations through physical crosslinks and electrostatic interactions, enhancing viscosity and suspension capabilities without increasing plastic viscosity, thus maintaining performance similar to oil-based fluids while being more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If aqueous-based treatment fluids are used, then environmental friendliness and cost-efficiency are improved, but shale inhibition and thermal stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidshale inhibition

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite system combining aqueous base fluid with transient polymer networks formed by associative polymers. This composite structure provides both the environmental benefits of aqueous fluids and the performance characteristics traditionally associated with oil-based fluids, resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and shale inhibition effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the rheological and chemical parameters of aqueous-based fluids by introducing transient polymer networks. These networks modify the fluid's viscosity, elasticity, and adsorption characteristics, enabling aqueous fluids to achieve adequate shale inhibition and thermal stability at high temperatures and pressures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If oil-based treatment fluids are used, then shale inhibition and thermal stability are improved, but environmental impact and cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidenvironmental damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transforms aqueous-based fluids through parameter changes by adding transient polymer networks that provide oil-based fluid characteristics. The associative polymers create networks that enhance thermal stability and shale inhibition, allowing aqueous fluids to replace oil-based fluids without sacrificing performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment fluid is designed as a composite system where associative polymers form transient networks within an aqueous base. This composite structure mimics the beneficial properties of oil-based fluids while maintaining the environmental advantages of aqueous formulations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If clays are added to maintain viscosity, then suspension capability is improved, but plastic viscosity increases causing operational problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension capabilityVSAvoidcirculating pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical suspension system using clays with a molecular-level transient polymer network system. The associative polymers create elastic networks that suspend drill cuttings through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions rather than mechanical thickening, reducing plastic viscosity while maintaining suspension capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the rheological parameters of the treatment fluid by introducing transient polymer networks that provide viscosity through molecular associations rather than clay particle mechanics. This results in reduced plastic viscosity and improved flow characteristics while maintaining adequate suspension capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 transient polymer network treatment fluids demonstrate improved thermal stability, suspension characteristics, and rheological properties, allowing for better drilling and wellbore stability at high temperatures and pressures, while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

a transient polymer network, which forms associations through physical crosslinks and electrostatic interactions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical crosslinks:

Implementation Method 2

a transient polymer network, which forms associations through physical crosslinks and electrostatic interactions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic interactions: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal stability:

Data Source

PatentUS8887809B2Treatment fluids comprising transient polymer networks

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Treatment fluid compositions may comprise transient polymer networks for use in methods related to subterranean applications. In one aspect, a method may include providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a transient polymer network, and placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation. In another aspect, a subterranean treatment fluid may include an aqueous-base fluid and a transient polymer network.