Fabrication of in situ HR-LCTEM nanofluidic cell for nanobubble interactions during EOR processes in carbonate rocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nanofluidic models are limited in accurately characterizing dynamic interactions between nanobubbles and oil at the nanoscale, particularly in simulating enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes, due to limitations in replicating reservoir conditions and observing fluid behavior under realistic conditions.

Innovation Solution

A nanofluidic LCTEM cell is fabricated using a silicon nitride substrate with etched calcite channels, combined with an ultrasound transducer to generate nanobubbles, allowing for in-situ characterization of oil, brine, and nanobubble interactions under controlled temperature and pressure conditions using high-resolution electron microscopy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ordinary techniques such as cryo-TEM are used to characterize nanomaterials, then the specimen can be analyzed in static conditions, but the dynamic behaviors cannot be characterized due to the vitrified nature of the specimen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenanoscale characterization capabilityVSAvoiddynamic behavior observation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the specimen from vitrified (cryo-TEM) to liquid state (LCTEM), enabling dynamic observation while maintaining nanoscale characterization capability. The liquid cell structure allows fluids to remain in liquid state during TEM imaging, fundamentally altering the observation conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a liquid cell as an intermediary environment between the specimen and the TEM vacuum chamber. This liquid cell acts as a mediator that allows liquid specimens to be observed in their native state while being contained within the TEM imaging system, enabling dynamic behavior observation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If nanofluidic models are used to replicate oil reservoir conditions, then EOR processes can be studied, but the models are limited in accurately characterizing dynamic interactions between nanobubbles and oil at the nanoscale

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereservoir condition simulation capabilityVSAvoidnanobubble-oil interaction characterization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the nanofluidic model within the LCTEM system, creating a hierarchical structure where the nanofluidic cell (containing oil, brine, and nanobubbles) is placed inside the liquid cell holder, which is then inserted into the TEM chamber. This nested arrangement allows simultaneous replication of reservoir conditions and high-resolution nanoscale observation of bubble-oil interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical observation methods with electron microscopy-based observation. Instead of using mechanical probes or macroscopic measurement techniques, the system uses electron beams to image nanobubble-oil interactions at the nanoscale, achieving much higher measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If LCTEM techniques are used to analyze fluid dynamics, then dynamic behaviors can be observed, but the device complexity increases compared to ordinary techniques

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic fluid behavior observationVSAvoidnanofluidic cell fabrication and setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the LCTEM system into distinct functional modules: the silicon nitride membrane support structure, the nanofluidic cell with calcite channels, the inlet/outlet line connections, and the holder assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and fabricated separately, then assembled into the complete system, making the complex device more manageable and reproducible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 high-resolution observation and understanding of fluid behavior and interactions at the nanoscale, providing insights into nanobubble EOR processes and dynamic fluid interactions, thereby improving the understanding and efficiency of EOR techniques.

Implementation Method 1

connecting a second end of the inlet line to an ultrasound transducer configured to generate nanobubbles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic cavitation: Acoustic Cavitation

Data Source

PatentUS11961702B2Fabrication of in situ HR-LCTEM nanofluidic cell for nanobubble interactions during EOR processes in carbonate rocks

Publication Date: 2024.04.16 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Systems and methods for preparing a nanofluidic LCTEM cell are provided. An exemplary method includes coating a photoresist layer onto a top surface of a silicon nitride substrate; etching channels into the photoresist layer; depositing calcite into the etched channels; removing the photoresist; placing the cell on a holder; connecting a first end of an inlet line to the cell; connecting a second end of the inlet line to an ultrasound transducer configured to generate nanobubbles; and connecting an outlet line to the cell.