Biodegradable surfactant fluid loss control additive
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsSharad Bhimrao GOTMUKLE, Nivika Rajendra GUPTA, Kimberly J. BURROWS-LAWSON
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Abstract
Invert emulsion treatment fluids can be used in oil and gas operations. A fluid loss control additive (FLCA) is a component of the fluid that can be utilized to control or minimize fluid loss into a subterranean formation. The FLCA can be a biodegradable surfactant of a sorbitan ester. The treatment fluid can include a bridging agent of insoluble particles. The biodegradable surfactant can aid the bridging agent to enter into permeable areas of the subterranean formation and consolidate to reduce or prevent fluid loss.
Claims20
A treatment fluid comprising:
- a continuous phase comprising a hydrocarbon liquid;
- a discontinuous phase comprising water;
- a bridging agent of insoluble particles;
- and
- a fluid loss control additive, wherein the fluid loss control additive is a biodegradable surfactant having a hydrophobic-lipophilic balance less than or equal to 5,
- wherein the treatment fluid has a high-pressure, high-temperature fluid loss less than 5 milliliters per 30 minutes after hot rolling at a testing temperature of 250° F. (121.1° C.).
A method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising:
- introducing a treatment fluid into a wellbore that penetrates the subterranean formation, the treatment fluid comprising:
- a continuous phase comprising a hydrocarbon liquid;
- a discontinuous phase comprising water and a water-soluble salt;
- a bridging agent of insoluble particles;
- and
- a fluid loss control additive, wherein the fluid loss control additive is a biodegradable surfactant having a hydrophobic-lipophilic balance less than or equal to 5,
- wherein the treatment fluid has a high-pressure, high-temperature fluid loss less than 5 milliliters per 30 minutes after hot rolling at a testing temperature of 250° F. (121.1° C.);
- and
- causing or allowing the fluid loss control additive to reduce fluid loss of the continuous phase of the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.