Wellbore Fluid with Micronized Weighting Agent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wellbore fluids used for packer elements and swellable polymers face challenges in achieving sufficient density without solid settlement, particularly in packer fluids that remain static for extended periods without circulation, necessitating the avoidance of solid weighting agents.

Innovation Solution

A wellbore fluid method involving a base fluid with a solid weighting agent having a d90 of less than 20 microns, which is micronized to prevent settling, and an aqueous continuous phase with low salinity to enhance swelling of swellable elements, allowing for increased density and effective activation of swellable packer systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If solid weighting agents are added to increase fluid density, then the density is improved, but the solids settle in the static fluid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid densityVSAvoidsolid settlement

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the particle size parameter of the weighting agent by micronizing it to a d90 of less than 20 microns. This parameter change prevents settling by creating particles small enough to remain suspended in the static fluid while still providing the necessary density increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite fluid system combining micronized weighting agents with a base fluid and optional polymers. This composite formulation achieves the desired density while maintaining stability through the synergistic combination of fine particles and fluid modifiers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional wellbore fluids are used, then the fluid provides basic functions, but it cannot effectively activate swellable packer systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacker activationVSAvoidfluid formulation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the wellbore fluid by incorporating specific salts and polymers that create the right ionic environment to trigger swelling in the packer elements, while maintaining compatibility with the micronized weighting agent system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach allows for high-density wellbore fluids that effectively activate swellable packer systems without significant settling, providing enhanced sealing capabilities and improved wellbore integrity, while minimizing equipment requirements and costs associated with high-density brines.

Implementation Method 1

A wellbore fluid method involving a base fluid with a solid weighting agent having a d90 of less than 20 microns, which is micronized to prevent settling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Implementation Method 2

an aqueous continuous phase with low salinity to enhance swelling of swellable elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwelling: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10400543B2Wellbore fluid used with swellable elements

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 M I LLC(US)

AI summary

A method for completing a wellbore may include introducing a wellbore fluid into a wellbore, the wellbore fluid having a base fluid; and a solid weighting agent having a d90 of less than 20 microns; where the method may also include contacting the wellbore fluid with a swellable element in the wellbore; and allowing swelling of the swellable element.