Wellbore CO2 Saturation Control Using Relative Permeability Modifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrocarbon recovery methods using carbon dioxide face high costs, environmental hazards, and the need for large chemical handling and transportation, which are economically and environmentally inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a relative permeability modifier (RPM) to increase residual carbon dioxide saturation and recovery, incorporating carbon dioxide into wellbore operations through a mixture formulation and periodic pumping, monitored by artificial intelligence for optimal compatibility and permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carbon dioxide is used in enhanced oil recovery projects, then hydrocarbon recovery is enhanced, but handling costs and capital expenditure increase due to extensive tank fields and cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts carbon dioxide directly from the subsurface formation where it is naturally trapped, eliminating the need for surface tank fields and cooling systems. The wellbore penetrates the carbon dioxide-bearing formation and retrieves the gas in-situ, removing the complex surface infrastructure required by conventional CCUS methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The formation itself serves as the storage reservoir, eliminating the need for external tank fields. The carbon dioxide is already trapped in the formation under appropriate pressure and temperature conditions, so no additional cooling infrastructure is required at the surface.
2Productivity
If chemicals are used to initiate cracks in hydraulic fracturing, then hydrocarbon recovery is enhanced, but environmental hazards and handling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the naturally trapped carbon dioxide, which would otherwise be a harmful greenhouse gas, into a beneficial fracturing fluid. The carbon dioxide is used to initiate and propagate cracks in the formation, replacing harmful chemicals while the resulting hydrocarbon mixture is recovered and processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the carbon dioxide by controlling pressure and temperature conditions during retrieval and injection. By adjusting these parameters, the carbon dioxide transitions from a trapped gas state to a fluid state suitable for fracturing operations, eliminating the need for chemical additives.
3Quantity of substance
If carbon dioxide is stored in shallow sandstone water aquifers, then storage is achieved, but residual carbon dioxide saturation and recovery efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by retrieving carbon dioxide from the formation before it can become permanently trapped. The wellbore is used to extract the carbon dioxide under controlled conditions, preventing it from reaching residual saturation states that would limit future recovery potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamic control to the carbon dioxide retrieval process by adjusting pressure, temperature, and flow rate parameters in real-time. This dynamic approach optimizes the phase behavior and mobility of carbon dioxide, maximizing both storage capacity and future recoverability compared to static shallow aquifer storage.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for methods that may be used for effectively utilizing carbon dioxide in a plurality of hydrocarbon recovery operations in a plurality of wellbore types and configurations. A system may be used to increase or reduce residual carbon dioxide saturation within a wellbore and increase or reduce carbon dioxide recovery for wellbore applications.