Water-Based Gel Solution for Controlling Delayed Gelation Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling undesirable fluid production in oil and gas reservoirs, such as water, often result in permanent loss of desired fluids and inability to adapt to changes in flow patterns, with solid plugs like cement being ineffective and environmentally harmful alternatives like chromium-based polymers posing environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A water-based solution with a controllable gel time, composed of a water-soluble silicate, a water-dispersible polymer, and a reactive carbonyl compound initiator, which thickens from a low viscosity to a high viscosity gel, allowing for in-situ formation of a permanent fluid block in geological formations to reduce water production and enhance oil or gas recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid plugs like cement are used to control undesirable fluid production, then water production is reduced, but desired fluids are permanently lost and the plug cannot adapt to flow pattern changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a gel system that can change its physical state and position in response to flow conditions. The gel forms a plug that can shift and deform under fluid pressure, allowing it to adapt to changing flow patterns while maintaining its water control function. This resolves the contradiction by making the plug dynamic rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the gelation process through pH and temperature variations. The gel system can transition between sol and gel states based on environmental parameters, enabling it to adapt its properties to different flow conditions. This allows the plug to maintain reliability while gaining adaptability through controlled parameter changes.
2Reliability
If solid plugs are used to block fluid flow, then water production is controlled, but the plug cannot change position to block seepage around the plug
Solution Approach 1:
The gel plug is designed to be dynamic, capable of shifting its position in response to fluid pressure gradients. When water attempts to bypass the plug through seepage, the gel can deform and move to block the new flow path, maintaining its sealing function without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If chromium-based polymers are used as environmentally friendly alternatives, then water production is controlled, but environmental concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a biodegradable gel system that performs its water control function temporarily and then degrades naturally in the environment. This eliminates the long-term environmental persistence issues associated with chromium-based polymers and cement, while still providing effective water production control during the operational period. The gel's limited lifespan is sufficient for its intended purpose but prevents environmental accumulation.
4Reliability
If viscous solutions are used to modify fluid mobility, then water production is reduced, but the solution requires complex chemical compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves fluid mobility control through simple parameter changes—specifically pH and temperature adjustments—that trigger gelation. This eliminates the need for complex viscous chemical compositions while maintaining effective water production control. The gelation process is controlled by environmental parameters rather than complex chemistry, simplifying the system while preserving its functionality.
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 solution effectively reduces water production, stabilizes geological formations, and provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly means to plug high permeability zones and repair leaks in wells and pipelines, improving volumetric sweep efficiency and extending the life of oil and gas wells.
Implementation Method 1
A water based solution with a controllable gel time, composed of a water-soluble silicate, a water-dispersible polymer, and a reactive carbonyl compound initiator, which thickens from a low viscosity to a high viscosity gel
Data Source
AI summary
A water based solution having a controllable gel time is disclosed. The solution has predetermined ratios of a water soluble silicate solution having at least one alkali metal, a predetermined ratio of a water dispersible polymer, and a predetermined ratio of a water soluble initiator containing a reactive carbonyl compound.