Oligonucleotide Tracer Particles for Subterranean Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracer particles lack chemical and physical stability in extreme subterranean environments, such as high-pressure, high-temperature, and acidic conditions, making them unsuitable for effectively tracking fluid flow in oil and gas exploration and groundwater studies.

Innovation Solution

Development of tracer particles comprising negatively-charged oligonucleotides coated with positively-charged polymers, encapsulated within a silica core, and further protected with inorganic layers including metal compounds and quantum dots, enhancing their stability and detectability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional tracer particles are used in subterranean environments, then they are easy to detect, but they lack chemical and physical stability under extreme conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical and physical stabilityVSAvoidtracer particle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite tracer particle structure consisting of a silica core, polymer coating layer, and oligonucleotide tracer molecule. This multi-material composite design provides chemical and physical stability under extreme subterranean conditions while maintaining detectability through the oligonucleotide component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The tracer particle structure follows a nested configuration where the oligonucleotide tracer is embedded within a polymer coating, which in turn is encapsulated within a silica core. This nested structure protects the detectable oligonucleotide component while providing environmental stability through the protective layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If tracer particles are made more stable through multiple protective layers, then they withstand subterranean conditions, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability in downhole environmentsVSAvoidtracer particle fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process employs preliminary action by first forming the silica core structure, then sequentially coating it with polymer layers and embedding oligonucleotides before the particle is deployed. This stepwise preliminary preparation ensures each layer is properly formed and bonded, enhancing stability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through systematic processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The tracer particles maintain stability and integrity in harsh subsurface conditions, allowing for accurate tracking and analysis of fluid flow characteristics, including flow paths and rates, through enhanced chemical stability and improved solubility.

Implementation Method 1

complexes of oligonucleotides and polymers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS11760925B1Oligonucleotide-containing tracer particles for subterranean applications

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 CORE LAB LP

AI summary

A tracer particle includes a silica core and a plurality of polymer-coated oligonucleotides disposed within the silica core, on a surface of the silica core, or a combination thereof. Each of the polymer-coated oligonucleotides comprise a polymer that at least partially surrounds an oligonucleotide.