Core-Shell Amine Nanoparticles for Thermal and Brine Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chemical additives used in enhanced oil recovery become unstable in high temperature and high salinity conditions, leading to precipitation and reduced efficacy due to instability in brine and high total dissolved solids.
Innovation Solution
Amine functionalized nanoparticles with a core-shell morphology, comprising a trialkoxyorganosilane coated core and an amine functionalized shell, provide improved thermal and brine stability by covalently bonding amine-functionalized silane to the nanoparticle surface, creating a cationic charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional chemical additives (surfactants or polymers) are used for enhanced oil recovery, then interfacial tension is lowered and wettability is increased, but the additives become unstable in high temperature and high salinity conditions leading to precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the nanoparticle surface by introducing amine functional groups with different pKa values and charge densities. This allows the nanoparticles to maintain stability across a wide range of temperatures and salinity conditions by adjusting their surface charge characteristics, directly resolving the thermal and brine stability issues of conventional additives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite nanoparticles by combining inorganic core materials (such as silica, metal oxides, or polymers) with organic amine functional groups on the surface. This composite structure provides both the structural stability of the inorganic core and the temperature/brine resistance of the amine functionalization, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-material additives
2Productivity
If conventional chemical additives are used, then oil recovery rate is increased, but the additives precipitate in high total dissolved solids (brine) conditions reducing their efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface charge parameters of nanoparticles by selecting amine functional groups with specific pKa values that remain protonated and positively charged in high salinity conditions. This maintains electrostatic repulsion between particles, preventing precipitation and maintaining dispersion stability in brine while preserving oil recovery efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nanoparticles that are designed to be stable throughout the entire enhanced oil recovery process duration. The amine functionalized surface provides long-term stability in brine conditions, replacing conventional additives that would otherwise precipitate and become ineffective, ensuring continuous productivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The amine functionalized nanoparticles enhance hydrocarbon recovery by maintaining stability in high temperature and high salinity conditions, increasing the rate and total yield of hydrocarbon recovery from subterranean formations.
Implementation Method 1
coating a nanoparticle with a trialkoxyorganosilane and thereafter covalently bonding an amine-functionalized silane to the surface of the coated nanoparticle
Implementation Method 2
provide a positive (or partial positive) charge on the surface of the nanoparticle with a silane molecule
Data Source
AI summary
Amine functionalized nanoparticles having improved thermal and brine stability comprising a core-shell nanoparticle morphology comprising a trialkoxyorganosilane coated nanoparticle core and an amine functionalized group on the surface of the nanoparticle as a shell are disclosed. Methods and applications of use of the amine functionalized nanoparticles and compositions comprising the amine functionalized nanoparticles dispersed in an aqueous medium are also disclosed.