Aqueous-Based Insulating Fluids and Related Methods

Abstract

Aqueous-based insulating fluids that have greater stability at high temperatures with lower thermal conductivity may be used, for example, in applications requiring an insulating fluid such as pipeline and subterranean applications. For example, a method may include providing an aqueous-based insulating fluid in an annulus between a riser column and an outer casing disposed thereabout, the riser column connecting a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation to a floating surface rig; and flowing a fluid through the riser column and the wellbore.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 providing an aqueous-based insulating fluid in an annulus between a riser column and an outer casing disposed thereabout, the riser column connecting a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation to a floating surface rig; and   flowing a fluid through the riser column and the wellbore.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing comprises placing the aqueous-based insulating fluid in the annulus, the aqueous-based insulating fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a water-miscible organic liquid, a synthetic polymer, and a crosslinker; and
 crosslinking the synthetic polymer with the crosslinker.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein crosslinking comprises exposing the aqueous-based insulating fluid to a temperature of about 90° F. or greater. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein exposing occurs before placing the aqueous-based insulating fluid in the annulus. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein exposing occurs after placing the aqueous-based insulating fluid in the annulus. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous-based insulating fluid comprises an aqueous base fluid, a water-miscible organic liquid, and a layered silicate. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid is a drilling fluid. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 performing a managed pressure drilling operation to extend the wellbore in the subterranean formation. 
 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 performing a dual gradient drilling operation to extend the wellbore in the subterranean formation. 
 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid is a formation fluid. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the aqueous-based insulating fluid is exposed to a temperature of about 250° F. to about 400° F. for 30 days or greater. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid is about 20% warmer or greater than if flowing through a similar riser without the aqueous-based insulating fluid. 
     
     
         13 . A method comprising:
 providing an aqueous-based insulating fluid in an annulus between a tubing and a casing disposed thereabout, the tubing and casing penetrating a subterranean formation; and   flowing steam through the tubing and into the subterranean formation.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein providing comprises placing the aqueous-based insulating fluid in the annulus, the aqueous-based insulating fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a water-miscible organic liquid, a synthetic polymer, and a crosslinker; and
 crosslinking the synthetic polymer with the crosslinker.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein crosslinking comprises exposing the aqueous-based insulating fluid to a temperature of about 90° F. or greater. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the aqueous-based insulating fluid comprises an aqueous base fluid, a water-miscible organic liquid, and a layered silicate. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising:
 producing a hydrocarbon fluid from the subterranean formation. 
 
     
     
         18 . A method comprising:
 providing an aqueous-based insulating fluid in an annulus between a tubing and a casing disposed thereabout, the tubing and the casing penetrating a subterranean formation, the subterranean formation comprising permafrost; and   flowing a fluid at about 40° F. or greater through the tubing.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising:
 performing a drilling operation to extend the wellbore in the subterranean formation. 
 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein providing comprises placing the aqueous-based insulating fluid in the annulus, the aqueous-based insulating fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a water-miscible organic liquid, a synthetic polymer, and a crosslinker; and
 crosslinking the synthetic polymer with the crosslinker.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the aqueous-based insulating fluid comprises an aqueous base fluid, a water-miscible organic liquid, and a layered silicate.