Phase Transfer of Nanoparticles to Organic Phase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing nanoscale organosols are complex, energy-intensive, and inefficient, requiring multiple stages, high temperatures, and large quantities of transfer agents, which limits scalability and stability of nanoparticle concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving phase transfer of nanoparticles from an aqueous solution to an organic carrier using a carboxylic acid transfer agent at a pH of 8-10, without heating, which allows for efficient migration and separation of nanoparticles into an organic phase with a high concentration of up to 20 wt%, using minimal reagents and moderate mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heating is applied to disperse aqueous nanoparticle slurry into organic phase, then dispersing efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (heating required in prior art) to room temperature, eliminating the need for thermal energy input while maintaining effective phase transfer and dispersing efficiency through pH-controlled mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heating) with a chemical field (pH control and surfactant action) to achieve phase transfer, substituting thermal energy with chemical mechanisms that operate effectively at room temperature
2Productivity
If large quantities of transfer agents are used to achieve phase transfer, then transfer efficiency is improved, but reagent consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter to alkaline conditions (pH 8-10), which fundamentally alters the mechanism of phase transfer to require minimal transfer agent, in contrast to acidic conditions that require large quantities of transfer agents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs surfactants that self-assemble at the interface between aqueous and organic phases, providing automatic stabilization and transfer facilitation without requiring excessive external reagent addition
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple stages including purification, drying, calcination, milling and size adjustment are employed, then product quality is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate operations (phase transfer, stabilization, and concentration) into a single integrated process step, where nanoparticles are directly transferred into the organic phase with built-in stabilization, eliminating the need for separate purification, drying, and size adjustment stages
Solution Approach 2:
The organic phase serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the dispersion medium, provides stabilization through dissolved surfactants, and enables direct concentration of nanoparticles, replacing the need for multiple specialized processing stages
4Productivity
If acidic pH is used for phase transfer, then transfer process is improved, but nanoparticle stability deteriorates due to agglomeration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using alkaline pH instead of acidic pH for phase transfer. This reversal fundamentally changes the surface charge and interaction mechanisms, enabling both effective transfer and simultaneous stabilization against agglomeration
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 method simplifies the production of stable nanoparticle organosols with high concentrations, reducing energy consumption and reagent usage, while achieving complete phase transfer and stability, suitable for use in oil and gas drilling fluids.
Implementation Method 1
reacting the colloidal dispersion with a transfer agent that is a carboxylic acid; adding an immiscible organic carrier fluid; stirring the reaction mixture until the nanoparticles migrate into the organic phase and an emulsion is formed
Implementation Method 2
contacting the aqueous dispersion with an organic phase containing transfer agent, e.g oleic acid
Implementation Method 3
separating the emulsion into two phases comprising a bottom aqueous solution and an upper organic fluid containing the nanoparticles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method for preparing concentrated and stable nanoparticle organosols using phase transfer is disclosed. The method includes transferring nanoparticles from a hydrosol into a hydrocarbon carrier with the aid of a transfer agent. The transfer agent can be added before, during or after the reaction of nanoparticle preparation and can be added to the aqueous or the organic carrier. The nanoparticles may be prepared in situ, pre-prepared in-house or commercially available. At the optimum values of the different parameters; namely precursor concentrations, amount of transfer agent and concentration of nanoparticles in the organosol, complete transfer of the nanoparticles may be achieved. The approach employs room temperature, moderate mixing and minimum number and quantity of chemicals relative to prior art. The nanoparticles may be used in fluids used in oil and gas recovery including drilling, completion, and stimulation fluids.