Functionalized Fluorescent Tracers for Oil-Phase Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water-soluble tracers used in oil fields face challenges such as adsorption onto reservoir rock, poor solubility in oil phases, and limited availability, making it difficult to effectively trace fluid flow and extract tracer molecules from oil phases.

Innovation Solution

Development of functionalized fluorescent tracers with hydrophobic and ionic functional groups, combined with silica-based sorbents, that allow for selective extraction and recovery of these tracers from oil phases by adjusting pH to neutralize or reverse charges, utilizing hydrophobic and ionic interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If water-soluble tracers are used in oil fields, then tracer availability and ease of detection are improved, but solubility in oil phases deteriorates and adsorption onto reservoir rock increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracer availabilityVSAvoidsolubility in oil phases

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tracer molecule is designed with distinct functional regions: a hydrophobic core structure (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) that provides oil solubility, and specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino groups) that provide water solubility and detectability. This local differentiation of properties within the same molecule resolves the contradiction between oil solubility and water solubility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The tracer employs a composite molecular structure combining hydrophobic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon cores with hydrophilic functional groups. This composite approach integrates both oil-soluble and water-soluble characteristics into a single tracer molecule, enabling it to function effectively in oil phases while maintaining detectability through water-based detection methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If water-soluble tracers are used in oil fields, then tracer availability is improved, but adsorption onto reservoir rock increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracer availabilityVSAvoidadsorption onto reservoir rock

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The tracer's molecular parameters are specifically adjusted by selecting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with appropriate molecular weights and functional group configurations. These parameter changes optimize the tracer's affinity for oil phases while minimizing adsorption to rock surfaces, balancing availability with reduced harmful adsorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables effective tracing and extraction of tracer molecules from oil phases, providing detailed information on fluid flow and reservoir properties, enhancing the accuracy of drilling and production analysis.

Implementation Method 1

The silica-based sorbent includes a hydrophobic functional group and an ionic functional group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

The ionic functional group is positively charged/negatively charged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic interaction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 3

lowering the pH of the organic solvent to protonate the functionalized fluorescent tracer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProtonation:

Implementation Method 4

raising the pH of the organic solvent to deprotonate the functionalized fluorescent tracer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeprotonation:

Implementation Method 5

functionalized fluorescent tracers with hydrophobic and ionic functional groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS12440821B2Method for tracing subterranean formations with oil-soluble organic molecular tracers and extracting them of from oil phases

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Functionalized fluorescent tracers, compositions, and methods for extracting the functionalized fluorescent tracers from oil phases and other wellbore or drilling fluids are provided. In some implementations, a sorbent for extracting tracer molecules from a fluid includes a silica-based sorbent. The silica-based sorbent includes a hydrophobic functional group and an ionic functional group. In some implementations, the ionic functional group is positively charged. In some implementations, the ionic functional group is negatively charged. A method of extracting a functionalized dye from an oil phase includes mixing a sorbent for extracting tracer molecules with an oil phase sample that includes a functionalized fluorescent tracer, recovering the sorbent from the oil phase, and dispersing the sorbent in an organic solvent. In some implementations, the method includes lowering the pH of the organic solvent. In some implementations, the method includes raising the pH of the organic solvent.