Wrinkled Capsules for Subterranean Pore Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for treating subterranean formations during petroleum extraction lack the ability to control or modulate the concentration or reactivity of chemical components effectively, leading to inefficiencies in pore blocking and chemical delivery downhole.
Innovation Solution
The use of wrinkled capsules with a hydrophobic core and a wrinkled shell, which can be designed to encapsulate various cargo and release them effectively within the subterranean formation, providing enhanced pore clogging and controlled release of chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rigid and spherical particles are used for pore blocking, then the particle structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the particles allow leaks around the perimeter reducing pore blocking effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the symmetric spherical particle shape into an asymmetric wrinkled structure. The wrinkled surface creates irregular contours and protrusions that prevent particles from rolling past each other and seal around rigid particles, thereby blocking leaks while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single-step microemulsion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surface curvature variations by creating wrinkles on the particle surface while maintaining an overall spherical form. This curved wrinkled surface increases surface area and creates mechanical interlocking between particles, preventing perimeter leaks without requiring complex non-spherical geometries.
2Productivity
If chemical components are exposed to tubulars and downhole materials during transport, then delivery to target location is achieved, but the concentration and reactivity of chemical components cannot be controlled or modulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chemical treatment system into discrete capsule units, each encapsulating specific chemical cargo. This segmentation allows independent control of chemical concentration and composition in each capsule, enabling precise modulation of chemical properties during transport while maintaining delivery efficiency through bulk capsule injection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible polymer shell membranes to encapsulate chemical cargo. These thin film encapsulations protect chemicals from premature exposure to tubulars and downhole materials during transport, while allowing controlled release at the target location through environmental triggers such as temperature, pH, or mechanical stress.
3Reliability
If wrinkled capsules with increased surface area are used, then pore clogging capability is improved, but the capsule complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the degree of wrinkling by adjusting formulation parameters (polymer concentration, solvent ratios, drying conditions) rather than changing the fundamental capsule structure. This allows tuning of surface area and pore clogging capability while maintaining the basic single-step microemulsion manufacturing process, avoiding excessive structural complexity.
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 wrinkled capsules offer improved pore clogging capabilities and controlled release of chemicals, enhancing the efficiency of chemical delivery and treatment in subterranean formations by allowing for precise placement and release of cargo, thereby improving petroleum extraction processes.
Implementation Method 1
wrinkled capsules with a hydrophobic core and a wrinkled shell, which can be designed to encapsulate various cargo
Implementation Method 2
hydrophobic core and a wrinkled shell
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed relate to wrinkled capsules for treatment of subterranean formations. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation. The method includes placing in the subterranean formation a composition comprising at least one wrinkled capsule. The wrinkled capsule includes a hydrophobic core and a wrinkled shell.