Encapsulated polymers and selective activation thereof
Wellbore strengthening compositions and methods of use may include a base fluid and a plurality of hydrogel particles or a plurality of core-shell particles suspended in the base fluid. A method of treating a formation may include pumping a wellbore fluid into the formation, where the wellbore fluid includes a base fluid; and a plurality of hydrogel particles or a plurality of core-shell particles suspended in the base fluid.
1. A wellbore fluid comprising:
a base fluid; and
a plurality of hydrogel particles or a plurality of core-shell particles suspended in the base fluid, wherein the plurality of hydrogel particles or the plurality of core-shell particles encapsulate a water soluble material.
2. The wellbore fluid of claim I, wherein the base fluid is an oil-based fluid, aqueous-based fluid or an emulsion thereof.
3. The wellbore fluid of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of hydrogel particles or the plurality of core-shell particles are formed from at least a monomer selected from the group of acrylates and acrylate derivatives.
4. The wellbore fluid of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of core-shell particles further comprise an organic solvent.
5. The wellbore fluid of claim 4 , wherein the organic solvent is hexadecane.
6. The wellbore fluid of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of hydrogel particles have an average size ranging from about 15 to about 85 microns.
7. The wellbore fluid of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of core-shell particles have an average size ranging from about 15 microns to about 130 microns.
8. The wellbore fluid of claim 1 , wherein the water soluble material is selected from the group of polyether amines, free water, organic acids and inorganic salts.
9. The wellbore fluid of claim 1 , wherein the encapsulated water soluble material is released by subjecting the plurality of hydrogel particles or the plurality of core-shell particles to shear forces generated by pumping the wellbore fluid into a formation through an opening.
10. A method of treating a formation, the method comprising:
pumping a wellbore fluid into the formation, the wellbore fluid comprising:
a base fluid; and
a plurality of hydrogel particles or a plurality of core-shell particles suspended in the base fluid, wherein the plurality of hydrogel particles or the plurality of core-shell particles encapsulate a water soluble material.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the base fluid is an oil-based fluid, an aqueous-based fluid or an emulsion thereof.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of hydrogel particles or the plurality of core-shell particles are formed from at least a monomer selected from the group of acrylates and acrylate derivatives.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of core-shell particles further comprise an organic solvent.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the organic solvent is hexadecane.
15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the water soluble material is selected from the group of polyether amines, free water, organic acids and inorganic salts.
16. The method of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of hydrogel particles have an average size ranging from about 15 to about 85 microns.
17. The method of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of core-shell particles have an average size ranging from about 15 microns to about 130 microns.
18. The method of claim 12 , wherein the encapsulated water soluble material is released by subjecting the plurality of hydrogel particles or the plurality of core-shell particles to shear forces generated by pumping the wellbore fluid into a formation through an opening.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the shear threes trigger a first release, and a second release is triggered by temperature or time.