Membrane Filtration for Dynamic Salinity Control in Microfluidic Wettability Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current enhanced oil recovery methods lack effective means to dynamically analyze and control wettability alteration of reservoir rocks, which is crucial for optimizing oil production, as wettability affects oil recovery and is influenced by various factors including ion strength and salinity.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a microfluidic cell and a membrane filtration system that dynamically adjusts the salinity and ion concentration of the fluid flowing through it, allowing for real-time observation and characterization of wettability alteration by passing the fluid through different nanofiltration membranes, mimicking the conditions of an underground reservoir.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static wettability measurement methods are used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but the ability to dynamically analyze wettability alteration under varying salinity and ion concentration conditions is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic analysis capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic wettability analysis by continuously varying salinity and ion concentration of the fluid passing through the microfluidic cell, allowing real-time observation of wettability alteration under changing conditions rather than static measurements at fixed parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system combines multiple functions into one apparatus: membrane filtration for salinity control, microfluidic flow for fluid delivery, and wettability measurement capabilities, enabling a single device to perform comprehensive wettability characterization under various conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If membrane filtration system is used to dynamically adjust salinity and ion concentration, then measurement precision of wettability alteration is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewettability determination precisionVSAvoidfiltration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane filtration system acts as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the microfluidic cell, dynamically controlling salinity and ion concentration before the fluid reaches the measurement zone, thereby enabling precise wettability analysis under controlled varying conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes parameter changes in fluid composition (salinity and ion concentration) as the primary control mechanism, varying these parameters through membrane filtration to observe their effect on wettability alteration with high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple membranes are used to control different salinity levels, then adaptability to various reservoir conditions is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereservoir condition simulation capabilityVSAvoidmembrane selection and switching operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic membrane selection where different membranes can be switched into position based on the desired salinity and ion concentration levels, allowing the apparatus to adapt to various reservoir conditions through dynamic reconfiguration rather than static setup

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 the precise determination and monitoring of wettability alteration under dynamic conditions, improving oil recovery by simulating the effects of ion strength and salinity changes on reservoir rock wettability, thereby enhancing the efficiency of enhanced oil recovery operations.

Implementation Method 1

passing the inlet solution through a first membrane of the membrane filtration system to provide a first permeate having a first salinity and a first ion concentration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNanofiltration: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 2

passing the inlet solution through the second membrane of the membrane filtration system to provide a second permeate having a second salinity and a second ion concentration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsmosis: Osmosis

Implementation Method 3

determining a first wettability of a surface of the microfluidic cell associated with the first salinity and the first ion concentration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWettability: Wetting

Data Source

PatentUS11712694B2In-situ salinity and ionic concentration control for calcite coated microfluidic cell

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A method includes flowing an inlet solution having an inlet salinity and an inlet ion concentration from an inlet to a membrane filtration system, dynamically adjusting the salinity or ion concentration of the inlet solution in situ as the inlet solution flows to an inlet of a microfluidic cell, and determining a wettability alteration in situ while dynamically adjusting the salinity or ion concentration of the inlet solution. A system includes a fluid inlet, a microfluidic cell fluidly coupled to the fluid inlet, the microfluidic cell having a surface representative of a reservoir rock, and a membrane filtration system coupled between the microfluidic cell and the fluid inlet.