Zwitterionic Polymer Fluid Mixing Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well servicing fluids require lengthy mixing times to achieve desired viscosities, limiting the feasibility of on-the-fly mixing processes and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of zwitterionic polymers prepared by inverse emulsion polymerization, combined with surfactants such as alcohol ethoxylates and ethoxylated propoxylated alcohols, in a saline-based aqueous solution to reduce mixing time and enhance viscosification, allowing for both batch and on-the-fly mixing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If zwitterionic polymers are mixed with brines using conventional processes, then desired viscosity is achieved, but mixing time is excessively long (about 15 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the system by introducing surfactants (specifically alcohol ethoxylates and ethoxylated propoxylated alcohols) to modify the interaction between zwitterionic polymers and brine. This chemical parameter change enables rapid viscosity development, reducing mixing time from 15 minutes to under 2 minutes while achieving the same or better viscosity targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The surfactant acts as an intermediary substance that mediates the interaction between the zwitterionic polymer and the brine. The surfactant facilitates faster hydration and viscosity development by improving the compatibility and mixing kinetics between the polymer and saline solution, enabling on-the-fly mixing processes.
2Productivity
If on-the-fly mixing is implemented, then process flexibility and speed are improved, but achieving target viscosity before pumping becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The addition of surfactants changes the rheological parameters of the system, enabling the fluid to reach target viscosity within seconds of mixing. This parameter change ensures that even with rapid on-the-fly mixing, the desired viscosity is reliably achieved before the fluid is pumped downhole, eliminating the trade-off between speed and reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional polymers are used in high salinity environments, then viscosity is achieved, but rheological stability at increased temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system combining zwitterionic polymers with specific surfactants (alcohol ethoxylates and ethoxylated propoxylated alcohols). This composite formulation provides synergistic effects that enhance both the viscosity and rheological stability of the fluid in high salinity and high-temperature conditions, maintaining composition stability where conventional polymers would fail.
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
This approach significantly reduces mixing time, enables on-the-fly mixing, and provides improved rheological stability and thickening power in high salinity and high-temperature conditions, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of well servicing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The well servicing fluid includes an aqueous brine media and a zwitterionic polymer
Implementation Method 2
The well servicing fluid includes a surfactant
Implementation Method 3
a zwitterionic polymer prepared by inverse emulsion polymerization
Data Source
AI summary
A method of servicing a well is disclosed. The method comprises mixing ingredients to form a well servicing fluid. The ingredients comprise (i) at least one surfactant chosen from alcohol ethoxylates, C4 to C12 primary alcohols and ethoxylated propoxylated alcohols, (ii) a zwitterionic polymer prepared by inverse emulsion polymerization of at least one monomer Ab comprising a betaine group and optionally one or more nonionic monomers Ba, and (iii) a saline based aqueous solution. The well servicing fluid is introduced into a hydrocarbon well.