Core-shell particles with inside-out degradation for subsurface release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current core-shell particle systems relying on outside-in release mechanisms are unreliable in extreme and variable environments, such as subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs, as they fail to provide predictive and controllable release patterns.
Innovation Solution
The development of core-shell particles with an inside-out degradation mechanism, where a reactive agent within the core reacts with the carrier element to cause partial or complete degradation of the outer shell, allowing controlled release of materials in response to specific environmental conditions, such as temperature, pH, or pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If outside-in release mechanism is used in core-shell particles, then release can occur when shell contacts environment, but release pattern becomes unreliable in extreme and variable environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional outside-in release mechanism by implementing an inside-out mechanism where the core reacts with the environment to degrade the shell from the interior. This reversal allows the release mechanism to be controlled by internal reactions rather than external shell degradation, significantly improving reliability in variable environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactive agent is pre-positioned within the core during particle fabrication, ready to react with environmental conditions upon contact. This preliminary positioning ensures that the release mechanism is immediately activated when environmental conditions are met, providing predictable and reliable release patterns without requiring external triggering.
2Productivity
If shell is directly degraded by environment, then release can occur quickly, but shell stability during delivery is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the release function into two distinct components: the shell provides protective stability during delivery, while the core contains the reactive agent that triggers release. This segmentation allows the shell to maintain stability without direct environmental degradation, while still enabling controlled release through internal core-driven mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The core acts as an intermediary between the environment and the shell. Instead of the environment directly degrading the shell, the reactive agent in the core first reacts with environmental conditions, then this reaction products or effects mediate the degradation of the shell from the inside, providing controlled and predictable release.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reactive agent is positioned within core, then release can be triggered by environmental conditions, but core-shell interface reaction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system responds to environmental conditions by detecting changes in physical or chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, or presence of specific chemicals. The reactive agent is designed to respond to these parameter changes, making the system adaptable to various environmental conditions without requiring complex reaction mechanisms at the core-shell interface.
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
These particles remain stable for extended periods, enabling migration into geological structures and can be engineered to release materials at specific times, providing accurate monitoring and delivery of compounds like sensors, tracers, and chemicals within harsh subterranean environments.
Implementation Method 1
the reactive agent is adapted to react with the carrier element when the external environment exhibits specified conditions and change at least a portion of the outer shell
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to delivery and release systems, such as core-shell particles. An exemplary composition according to the disclosure can include a carrier element forming an outer shell that defines an inner core. The core can include a reactive agent that is adapted to react with the shell, particularly at an inner interface of the shell with the core materials. The reaction can provide an inside-out degradation of the shell and release of one or more materials therein. The reactive agent may be separated from the shell, such as using a phase change material (PCM). Upon reaching specific environmental conditions, the PCM can change so as the release the reactive agent for reaction with the shell. The systems can be used in various methods to deliver a material to various environments, including underground reservoirs.