Wellbore Fluid Iron Control Agent Prevents Precipitate Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Friction reducers in hydraulic fracturing fluids are compromised by ions like Fe, Ca, and Mg, leading to the formation of precipitates ('gummy bears') that reduce friction reduction efficiency and cause equipment damage and formation damage.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore servicing fluid containing a friction reducer, an iron control agent such as N,N-diacetylhomotaurine, and an aqueous fluid is used to mitigate the formation of precipitates by reacting with iron ions, preventing them from associating with friction reducer molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If friction reducer is used in hydraulic fracturing fluid, then friction reduction efficiency is improved, but precipitates form when ions are present
Solution Approach 1:
An iron control agent is introduced as an intermediary substance that selectively binds to iron ions in the aqueous fluid, preventing these ions from interacting with friction reducer molecules. This mediator approach allows the friction reducer to maintain its effectiveness while the iron control agent sequesters the harmful ions, eliminating precipitate formation without compromising friction reduction performance
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful iron ions are effectively extracted or removed from the interaction between the aqueous fluid and friction reducer by introducing the iron control agent. The iron control agent isolates the iron ions through complexation, separating them from the friction reducer molecules and preventing the formation of precipitates, thus maintaining system functionality
2Quantity of substance
If friction reducer associates with cations, then precipitates are formed, but friction reduction capacity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The iron control agent serves as a mediator that intercepts cations before they can associate with friction reducer molecules. By binding to iron ions through complexation, the iron control agent prevents the formation of precipitates while maintaining the friction reducer's polymer chain structure and friction reduction capacity intact
Solution Approach 2:
The addition of iron control agent changes the chemical parameters of the system by introducing new complexation reactions between the iron control agent and iron ions. This parameter change alters the speciation of iron in the fluid, converting free iron ions into iron control agent complexes, thereby preventing precipitate formation while preserving friction reducer functionality
3Object-affected harmful factors
If gummy bears are formed in downhole conditions, then formation damage occurs, but equipment functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The iron control agent is incorporated into the wellbore servicing fluid in advance to preemptively bind to iron ions before they can form precipitates. This preliminary action of complexing iron ions prevents the subsequent formation of gummy bears that would otherwise cause formation damage and equipment malfunction, protecting both the formation and equipment from harm
Solution Approach 2:
The iron control agent provides beforehand cushioning by creating a protective chemical environment that sequesters iron ions. This prior cushioning prevents the harmful interaction between iron ions and friction reducers, cushioning against the formation of precipitates that would otherwise compromise equipment reliability and cause formation damage
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 the formation of precipitates, maintaining friction reduction efficiency and preventing equipment and formation damage by controlling iron ion concentrations in the wellbore servicing fluid.
Implementation Method 1
The damaging ions may associate with friction reducer molecules and form precipitates
Data Source
AI summary
A method of servicing a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, including placing into the wellbore a wellbore servicing fluid including a friction reducer, an iron control agent, and an aqueous fluid. The iron control agent can include a compound according to Structure I, a salt of Structure I, or combinations thereof:wherein R1, R1a, R2, R2a, R3 and R3a are defined as set forth in the specification. The methods in this disclosure can be used for iron mitigation.