Ionic Particle Carriers for Controlled Release and Tracer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently delivering ionic molecules into subterranean formations for improved oil recovery and tracer applications, as well as in accurately measuring and detecting fluid phases in production fluids, due to limitations in controlling release mechanisms and interfacial tension alteration.
Innovation Solution
Development of nano- or micro-sized particle carriers with modified surfaces to include ionic functional groups, which are chemically bound to ionic molecules, and coated with materials like halogenated salts or ferromagnetic materials, allowing pH-, temperature-, and pressure-controlled release, and enabling tracer detection through chromatography or electromagnetic methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tracer methods are used to gauge fluid flow and estimate residual oil saturation, then qualitative or quantitative measurement is achieved, but measurement precision and detection accuracy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluorescent tracers that emit light at specific wavelengths when excited, enabling precise detection and differentiation of fluid phases. The fluorescent properties allow for accurate measurement of tracer concentration and fluid phase identification, directly addressing the measurement precision and detection difficulty contradictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent tracers as intermediary substances that mediate between the fluid flow system and the detection system. These tracers are injected into the formation, travel with the fluids, and provide detectable signals that enable indirect but precise measurement of fluid flow patterns, residual oil saturation, and fluid phase distribution.
2Productivity
If surfactants and chemicals are injected for improved oil recovery operations, then interfacial tension reduction and wettability alteration are achieved, but control over release mechanisms and treatment efficacy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pH-responsive or stimulus-responsive materials that change their properties in response to specific environmental parameters such as pH, temperature, or pressure. This allows for controlled release of surfactants and chemicals at targeted locations and times within the formation, enhancing productivity while providing adaptability and control over the release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pre-formed composite particles containing surfactants, chemicals, and trigger mechanisms that are injected into the formation in a controlled state. These particles are designed to release their contents under specific conditions, allowing preliminary preparation and control of the treatment process before actual deployment, thereby improving both productivity and controllability.
3Measurement precision
If tracers are used in interwell or single well tests to allocate production and estimate treatment efficacy, then production allocation and treatment estimation are achieved, but detection precision and distribution analysis accuracy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where fluorescent tracers provide real-time or near-real-time information about fluid flow patterns, production allocation, and treatment distribution. The detected tracer signals are fed back to operators, enabling continuous monitoring and adjustment of the treatment process, thereby improving measurement precision and preventing information loss about fluid distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluorescent tracers with specific emission wavelengths that allow for precise detection and differentiation of various fluid phases and tracer concentrations. The fluorescent signals provide rich information about tracer location, concentration gradients, and fluid flow patterns, enabling accurate production allocation and treatment efficacy estimation without information loss.
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
Enhances the delivery and release of ionic molecules for altering wettability and interfacial tension, improves oil production, and allows precise tracer detection and distribution analysis in subterranean formations.
Implementation Method 1
modifying the particle carrier surface to include a first ionic functional group. The process also includes chemically binding the first ionic functional group on the particle carrier surface to a first ionic molecule
Implementation Method 2
dissolving the altered particle carrier coating and measuring the halogenated salt, the halogenated acid, the halogenated hydrocarbon, or the perfluorocarbon in a production fluid
Implementation Method 3
impregnating the coating to include a ferromagnetic material to form an altered particle carrier and introducing the altered coated particle carrier into a subterranean formation. The process also includes energizing a surface or subsurface and measuring secondary electric or magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
A process for forming a particle carrier system includes supplying a particle carrier, the particle carrier having a surface and modifying the particle carrier surface to include a first ionic functional group. The process also includes chemically binding the first ionic functional group on the particle carrier surface to a first ionic molecule.