Functionalized Fluorescent Tracers for Subterranean Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-soluble tracers used in oil well applications, such as fluorescein, eosin, and Rhodamine, have limitations including adsorption onto reservoir rock and partial dissolution in the oil phase, which hinders their effectiveness in tracing aqueous fluids in wells.
Innovation Solution
The development of functionalized fluorescent tracers by chemically modifying conventional fluorescent dye molecules with hydrophilic functional groups, such as primary amines and sulfonate anions, to enhance their water solubility and retention in the aqueous phase while maintaining fluorescence properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluorescent dyes (fluorescein, eosin, Rhodamine) are used as water-soluble tracers, then they provide good fluorescence properties and water solubility, but they adsorb onto reservoir rock and partially dissolve in the oil phase, reducing their effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of conventional fluorescent dyes by introducing hydrophilic functional groups (such as carboxyl, sulfonic acid, or phosphonic acid groups) at specific positions on the dye molecule. This changes the hydrophilicity parameter of the dye, enhancing its affinity for the aqueous phase and reducing adsorption onto rock and dissolution in oil, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining fluorescence properties and avoiding harmful interactions with the reservoir system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite tracer molecules by combining conventional fluorescent dye cores with hydrophilic functional groups. This composite structure integrates the fluorescent properties of the dye core with the hydrophilic characteristics of the functional groups, resulting in a tracer that maintains excellent fluorescence while exhibiting improved water solubility and reduced adsorption/dissolution issues
2Quantity of substance
If hydrophilic functional groups are introduced to enhance water solubility, then solubility in water is improved, but the molecular structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydrophilic functional groups at specific local positions on the fluorescent dye molecule rather than uniformly modifying the entire structure. This localized modification approach enhances water solubility while minimizing the increase in overall molecular complexity, as the functional groups are placed strategically to maximize their hydrophilic effect with minimal structural disruption
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 functionalized fluorescent tracers exhibit improved solubility in water, reduced sorption on rock, and controlled partitioning in oil phases, enabling more effective tracing of aqueous fluids in wells and providing detailed molecular information for enhanced oil recovery and drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
The composition includes a functionalized fluorescent dye. The functionalized fluorescent dye includes an isothiocyanate-containing dye that is functionalized with a functional group
Data Source
AI summary
A composition includes a functionalized fluorescent dye. The functionalized fluorescent dye includes an isothiocyanate-containing dye that is functionalized with a functional group. The functional group includes a primary amine. The functionalized fluorescent dye can be mixed with a fluid to form a tracer fluid for tracing fluid flow in a subterranean formation.