Methods and compositions for thermal insulation
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsQi Qu, Xiaolan Wang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Unwanted heat loss from production tubing or uncontrolled heat transfer to outer annuli is inhibited by introduction into the annuli a thermal insulating packer fluid or a riser fluid containing a zwitterionic surfactant, an alcohol and a brine. The viscosity of the composition is sufficient to reduce the convection flow velocity within the annulus. The invention has particular applicability with high density brines.
Claims29
A method for enhancing the thermal insulation of a production tubing or transfer pipe surrounded by at least one annuli, comprising:
- (a) adding to the at least one annuli a thermal insulating fluid comprising:
- (i) a zwitterionic surfactant;
- (ii) an alcohol;
- and
- (iii) a brine;
- and
- (b) maintaining the fluid in contact with the at least one annuli to at least partially immobilize the fluid.
A method for reducing convection flow velocity in at least one annuli surrounding a production tubing or transfer pipe, comprising:
- introducing into the at least one annuli an insulating packer or riser fluid comprising a thermal insulating composition comprising:
- (i) a zwitterionic surfactant;
- (ii) an alcohol;
- and
- (iii) a brine;
- and
- maintaining the fluid in the at least one annuli until the convection flow velocity is reduced.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.