LAUSR

Abstract We report the computer-assisted design, syntheses and application of a temperature-responsive, thermally stable and salt resistant polymer viscosifier that is useful in various upstream operations such as well cementing. With the increasing exploration of deep and ultradeep wells, thermally stable and salt resistant viscosifiers that does not adversely increase the viscosity of working fluids at lower temperatures become much desired. In this contribution, we implement the idea of using polymers crosslinked with labile molecules to realize such “smart” viscosity modulation. Guided by computational modelling, we demonstrate the right combination of polymer backbones and crosslinkers can lead to desired rheological and thermal characteristics, which are further verified by the improved properties of a cementing slurry system.