Nanoparticle-Ionic Liquid Gel Emulsions for Reservoir Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques face challenges in effectively controlling fluid flow in porous media due to limitations in tuning the gelation properties of gel-form materials used in subterranean formations.
Innovation Solution
The use of dispersions of solid nanoparticles decorated with ionic species, specifically anionic and cationic species forming an ionic liquid pair, is employed to create a gel-form material with tunable rheological properties. These nanoparticles are mixed with an aqueous media to form a stable dispersion, which is then emplaced in porous formations, transitioning from a liquid-like to a gel-like state to form a viscous barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional polymers, gels, foams or resins are used for fluid flow control in EOR, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the ability to precisely tune gelation time and rheological properties is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the nanoparticle-to-ion ratio, nanoparticle concentration, and ionic liquid composition to precisely control gelation time and rheological properties. This allows tuning of gelation from minutes to hours while maintaining reliable fluid flow control through the gel barrier formation in porous media.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining solid nanoparticles with ionic liquids to create a gel-forming composition that exhibits both liquid-like flow properties during injection and gel-like structure during reservoir emplacement. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of pumpability and in-situ gelation control.
2Ease of operation
If gel-form materials are emplaced in porous subterranean formations, then fluid flow control is improved, but the complexity of tuning rheological properties increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies rheological tuning by establishing systematic relationships between nanoparticle:ion ratios and gelation properties. By defining specific ratio ranges and their corresponding gelation behaviors, the complexity of tuning is reduced to a manageable parameter space that can be optimized for different reservoir conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing the gelation properties of nanoparticle-ionic liquid compositions under various conditions before reservoir emplacement. This allows selection of the optimal composition and nanoparticle:ion ratio to achieve desired gelation time and rheological properties, simplifying the field operation.
3Productivity
If ionic liquids are used to decrease interfacial tension or alter wettability, then EOR efficiency is improved, but the gelation time control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system where ionic liquids perform their traditional EOR functions (decreasing interfacial tension, altering wettability) while simultaneously serving as gelation agents when combined with nanoparticles. The nanoparticle:ion ratio controls the gelation aspect, while the ionic liquid composition controls the interfacial properties, achieving both functions with independent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the functions by separating the role of ionic liquids (interfacial tension reduction, wettability alteration) from the gelation function (achieved through nanoparticle-ion interactions). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function without compromising the other.
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
This approach allows for precise control of the gelation time and rheological properties of the gel-form material, enabling effective fluid flow control and porosity reduction in subterranean formations, thereby enhancing EOR processes.
Implementation Method 1
The initial emulsion undergoes a transition to a gel-like state in situ in the subterranean formation. This transition results in the gel-form material, in a process analogous to gelation, so that the material becomes viscous and develops rigidity
Implementation Method 2
ions that are members of an ionic liquid pair can be used to tailor the gelation time of gel-form materials made from solid nanoparticles
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are disclosed for emplacing a gel-form material in a porous subterranean formation, such as a hydrocarbon reservoir. The material is formed by admixing solid nanoparticles with gelation supporting amounts of surfactants or ionic species, such as ionic species of the kind that form ionic liquids. The nanoparticle to ion ratio may be selected, in combination with selecting the components of the gel-form material, so that the rheological and gelation properties of the gel-form material are adapted for a particular use, for example forming a fluid flow barrier in a reservoir.