Wellbore CO2 Mineralization for Lost Circulation Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lost circulation during well drilling operations leads to significant setbacks and increased costs due to fluid loss and pressure imbalances, with conventional methods offering limited solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the mineralization of CO2 in lost circulation zones using a brine solution, alkaline compounds, and catalysts to form alkaline carbonate compounds, which sequester CO2 and mitigate fluid loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional lost circulation mitigation methods (reducing drilling fluid density, adding LCM) are used, then fluid loss is reduced, but additional chemicals are required and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful lost circulation phenomenon into a beneficial CO2 sequestration opportunity by injecting CO2 into the lost circulation zone where it reacts with formation minerals to form stable carbonate compounds, thereby mitigating fluid loss while permanently storing CO2
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the lost circulation zone by injecting CO2 under controlled pressure and temperature conditions, transforming the physical and chemical state of the formation fluids to create stable carbonate minerals that plug leak paths
2Quantity of substance
If CO2 is injected into the wellbore for mineralization, then CO2 sequestration is achieved, but the system requires multiple fluid delivery systems increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the drilling fluid delivery system multi-functional by using it to inject both the alkaline composition and CO2 into the wellbore, eliminating the need for separate dedicated injection systems and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the CO2 injection process with the existing drilling operations and fluid delivery infrastructure, merging multiple functions (drilling fluid circulation, CO2 injection, and chemical treatment) into a unified operational framework
3Loss of substance
If drilling operations are paused to mitigate lost circulation, then fluid loss is controlled, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by injecting the alkaline composition and CO2 into the lost circulation zone before resuming drilling operations, pre-treating the formation to prevent further fluid loss and enabling immediate resumption of drilling without extended pauses
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
Simultaneously addresses CO2 sequestration and lost circulation by forming stable alkaline carbonate compounds, providing a permanent solution to fluid loss and reducing the carbon footprint of drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
mineralizing, in the wellbore, the alkaline compound and the volume of CO2 to produce an alkaline carbonate compound
Implementation Method 2
The composition for CO2 sequestration includes a brine solution, an alkaline compound, and a catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and compositions for carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in a wellbore. A method includes locating a lost circulation zone in the wellbore during drilling. Methods may further include flushing drilling mud from the wellbore to prepare the lost circulation zone for lost circulation mitigation and injecting a cleaning solution into the wellbore. Then, injecting a composition for CO2 sequestration into the wellbore, where the composition may include a brine solution, an alkali and/or an alkaline compound, and a catalyst. The method may further include injecting a volume of CO2 into the wellbore, mineralizing the alkali and/or the alkaline compound and the volume of CO2 to produce an alkali and/or alkaline carbonate compound, injecting drilling mud into the wellbore and resuming drilling operations.