Pre-hydration of friction reducers for wellbore fluids
US11313212B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2021 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K2208/28
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Friction reducers can be used in fluids for oil and gas operations. Friction reducers can be water-hydratable and can decrease the friction within wellbore components after fully hydrating. The friction reducer can be pre-hydrated at the well site. The friction reducer and water can be combined into a static mixer of a pre-hydration apparatus that forms a mixed fluid. The friction reducer can be retained in the pre-hydration apparatus for a sufficient period of time to allow the friction reducer to hydrate. The mixed fluid containing the pre-hydrated friction reducer can then be added to a base fluid to form a treatment fluid. The treatment fluid can be a fracturing fluid. The pre-hydrated friction reducer can provide an immediate reduction in friction to the treatment fluid as the treatment fluid is being pumped into the wellbore.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.