Viscous Degradable Fluids for Subterranean Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatment fluids used in hydrocarbon reservoirs often result in fluid loss due to unwanted flow through vugs, fractures, and other flow paths, necessitating the use of particulate materials to block these paths temporarily, but these can be costly and damaging to the formation.
Innovation Solution
Development of viscous degradable fluids comprising aliphatic polyesters dissolved in solvents like DMSO, triacetin, or glycerol, which temporarily block flow paths and degrade irreversibly without damaging the formation, allowing for controlled fluid flow and reduced additive usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If particulate materials are used to block flow paths, then fluid loss is reduced, but formation damage occurs and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the blocking material from solid particulates to a viscous degradable fluid. This fluid can be adjusted in viscosity to effectively block flow paths while being able to degrade into harmless substances that do not damage the formation, thus resolving the contradiction between fluid loss control and formation protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a degradable fluid that temporarily blocks flow paths and then degrades into non-damaging products. This disposable approach allows the material to serve its blocking function and then disappear harmlessly, avoiding the long-term formation damage associated with permanent particulate blockers
2Duration of action of moving object
If degradable materials are used to temporarily block flow paths, then flow paths can be re-opened, but additional additives are required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The viscous degradable fluid serves multiple functions: it provides temporary flow path blocking, controls fluid loss during operations, and then degrades to allow flow path reopening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate additives for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the desired temporary blocking duration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the blocking function and the temporary nature into a single viscous degradable fluid system. Rather than using separate materials for blocking and for controlled degradation, the fluid integrates both properties, simplifying the treatment formulation and reducing the number of components required
3Loss of substance
If water soluble polymers are used to overcome fluid loss, then fluid loss is reduced, but formation damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent water-soluble polymers with a degradable fluid that temporarily controls fluid loss and then degrades into non-damaging products. This temporary approach allows effective fluid loss control during operations while eliminating the long-term formation damage associated with residual polymers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of polymer residues into a benefit by using a degradable fluid that breaks down into harmless substances. The degradation process transforms what would be a harmful residual effect into a beneficial outcome where the blocking material disappears without damaging the formation
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 viscous degradable fluids effectively restrict flow through openings in hydrocarbon reservoirs for extended periods, reducing fluid loss and formation damage while degrading into non-damaging products, thus enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of subterranean operations.
Implementation Method 1
degrading irreversibly without damaging the formation
Data Source
AI summary
Viscous degradable fluids for use in fluid loss control, diversion, gravel packing, fracturing, and acidizing operations, method of preparing the viscous degradable fluids, and methods of using the viscous degradable fluids in subterranean operations. At least one aliphatic polyester is dissolved in a solvent comprising triacetin to form a viscous degradable fluid. The viscous degradable fluid can be injected directly into a subterranean formation or mixed with other fluids and/or additives before being injected into the subterranean formation, where it can temporarily block or restrict flow through openings in the formation.