Triblock Copolymer Fluid Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for managing viscosity in downhole fluids during petroleum or water extraction lack control and are energy-intensive, particularly when pumping high-viscosity fluids or gels, which can be difficult or impossible to achieve effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method using a composition of linear triblock copolymers and inorganic particles, where shearing and heating increase the viscosity, allowing for precise control and convenient thickening or gelation downhole, reducing the need for pre-pumping high-viscosity fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-viscosity fluids or gels are pumped to a desired location downhole, then they can more effectively carry materials to and from drilling locations, but the process becomes energy intensive and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the temperature-dependent viscosity characteristics of the copolymer solution. The fluid is pumped at a lower viscosity (achieved by controlling temperature) to reduce energy consumption during transport, and then temperature is increased downhole to achieve the desired high viscosity for effective material carrying and gelation.
2Productivity
If high-viscosity fluids are pumped to a desired location downhole, then they can more effectively carry materials, but pumping becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter dynamically through temperature control. The fluid is pumped in a lower-viscosity state (by maintaining lower temperature during pumping) to ensure ease of operation, and then temperature is increased at the destination to achieve the required high viscosity for effective material transport and gelation.
3Ease of operation
If past techniques are used to manage viscosity, then fluids can be pumped, but control over viscosity is insufficient and the process is energy intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements precise viscosity control by exploiting the temperature-viscosity relationship of the copolymer solution. Instead of pumping high-viscosity fluids (which is energy-intensive), the system pumps at lower viscosity and controls temperature downhole to achieve the desired viscosity level, thereby improving both control precision and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the copolymer solution with specific molecular weight and composition characteristics before pumping, ensuring that the fluid will exhibit the desired temperature-dependent viscosity behavior. This preliminary preparation enables subsequent precise viscosity control through temperature management without requiring excessive energy input.
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
This approach enables precise control over viscosity and gelation of fluids downhole, enhancing their effectiveness as drilling, completion, and production fluids, reducing energy consumption and operational challenges.
Implementation Method 1
The shearing or heating of the composition increases the viscosity of the composition
Implementation Method 2
The shearing or heating of the composition increases the viscosity of the composition
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to treatment of subterranean formations using compositions that experience an increase in viscosity as a result of the application of heat or shear. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation. The method can include obtaining or providing a composition including a linear triblock copolymer and inorganic particles. The method can include at least one of shearing and heating the composition, to increase the viscosity thereof. The method can also include contacting the composition with a subterranean material downhole.