Creation of Breaker Systems in Oil Fields

One of the biggest problems encountered in oil fields is the failure of the used gel to break. Many types of polysaccharides have been used to create breaker systems in such aqueous systems. These polysaccharides used are insufficient when compared to stabilizers such as Xanthan Gum.

The following method can be applied for the most effective breaking of viscosity-enhanced fluids containing xanthan gum. The resulting breaker system not only provides a reduction in viscosity but also ensures complete breaking to reduce gel residue to a minimum level.

For What Purpose Are Viscosity Improvers Used in Oil Fields?

The most important purpose of using viscosity-increasing chemicals in oil production facilities is to trap solid particles within the drilling fluid and ensure the formation of the breaker system.

In this system, after the process of trapping the gravel, the gelled structure is broken and the particles within the system precipitate.

How is a Breaker System Created?

During production, Xanthan Gum is dissolved in any water to suspend the particulate structure and introduced into the system. Later, at the required time interval, a breaker is created with the help of 2 different oxidizing agents, one organic acid, and 2 catalysts.

In the subsequent process, the breaker solution is added to the solution containing Xanthan Gum (xanthan gum) circulating in the system. This causes a decrease in the viscosity of the fluid circulating within the well. Changes in the amounts of substances used can cause different effects on the physical and chemical properties throughout the system.

What Are the Factors Affecting the Properties of the Breaker System?

The most effective factor in the properties of breaker systems used in oil drilling operations is the change made in the type of organic acid.

The combination of the components forming the structure of the breaker systems—namely at least two oxidizing chemicals, one organic acid, and two catalysts—ensures the efficient, rapid, and perfect breaking of the fluid whose viscosity has been increased with Xanthan Gum.

The oxidizing agents mentioned here are sodium percarbonate and ammonium persulfate. The organic acid used is citric acid monohydrate. The substances used as catalysts are Triethanolamine and Iron Salt.