17644217. RIGLESS METHOD FOR SELECTIVE ZONAL ISOLATION IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS USING POLYMER GELS simplified abstract (Saudi Arabian Oil Company)

RIGLESS METHOD FOR SELECTIVE ZONAL ISOLATION IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS USING POLYMER GELS

Organization Name

Saudi Arabian Oil Company

Inventor(s)

Mohamed Hassan Sherief of Dhahran (SA)

Ayman Mohammed Almohsin of Dhahran (SA)

Haider J. Abdulal of Dhahran (SA)

Mohammed I. Alabdrabalnabi of Al Qatif (SA)

RIGLESS METHOD FOR SELECTIVE ZONAL ISOLATION IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS USING POLYMER GELS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17644217 titled 'RIGLESS METHOD FOR SELECTIVE ZONAL ISOLATION IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS USING POLYMER GELS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a method for zonal isolation in a subterranean formation, which involves creating a gel that prevents fluid flow in a specific zone of interest. The method includes several steps and considerations:

• Identifying the zone of interest within the subterranean formation.
• Determining the static temperature of the zone of interest.
• Determining the time duration for the gelation of a treatment fluid.
• Determining the concentration of a cross-linker in the treatment fluid.
• Determining the volume of the treatment fluid to be delivered to the zone of interest.
• Determining the correlation between cooling of the wellbore near the zone of interest and the delivery rate of the treatment fluid.
• Determining the target wellbore temperature.
• Delivering a cooling stage until the target wellbore temperature is reached.
• Delivering a treatment stage to form a gel that is impermeable to fluid flow within the zone of interest.

Potential applications of this technology:

• Zonal isolation in oil and gas wells to prevent fluid migration between different zones.
• Controlling fluid flow in geothermal wells to optimize heat extraction.
• Isolating contaminated zones in environmental remediation projects to prevent further spread of pollutants.

Problems solved by this technology:

• Ensuring effective zonal isolation in subterranean formations to prevent unwanted fluid flow.
• Optimizing the gelation process by considering factors such as temperature, cross-linker concentration, and delivery rate.
• Improving the efficiency and reliability of zonal isolation techniques.

Benefits of this technology:

• Enhanced zonal isolation, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and improving well performance.
• Improved control over the gelation process, leading to more precise and predictable results.
• Increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness in subterranean operations by minimizing the need for remedial work and repairs.

Original Abstract Submitted

A method for zonal isolation in a subterranean formation includes identifying a zone of interest within the subterranean formation, determining a static temperature of the zone of interest, determining a time duration for gelation of a treatment fluid, determining a concentration of a cross-linker in the treatment fluid, determining a volume of the treatment fluid to be delivered to the zone of interest, determining a correlation between cooling of a wellbore near the zone of interest and a delivery rate of the treatment fluid, determining a target wellbore temperature, delivering a cooling stage until the target wellbore temperature is reached, and delivering a treatment stage. Delivering the cooling stage and the treatment stage results in forming, within the zone of interest, a gel that is impermeable to fluid flow.