Self-Coalescing Graphite Oxide Nanoparticles for Ultra-Deep Profile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing profile control systems for ultra-deep reservoirs face challenges with high temperature resistance, high salinity resistance, migration distance, and controllability, as polymer gels dehydrate, foams are short-lived, and inorganic precipitates plug near-boreholes.
Innovation Solution
Salinity-induced self-coalescence modified graphite oxide nanoparticles with monofunctional polyether amine grafts, forming amide bonds, enabling stability and coalescence from nanometer to micrometer scale under high temperature and salinity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymer gels are used for profile control in ultra-deep reservoirs, then profile controllability is improved, but high temperature resistance deteriorates due to dehydration at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the profile control agent from organic polymer gels to inorganic graphite oxide nanoparticles. This parameter change enables the material to maintain structural integrity at ultra-high temperatures (≥150°C) while providing effective profile control through controlled aggregation behavior in high salinity environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by grafting monofunctional polyether amine onto graphite oxide nanoparticles. This composite structure combines the high temperature stability of inorganic graphite oxide with the functional properties of organic polyether amine, achieving both high temperature resistance and profile controllability simultaneously.
2Temperature
If inorganic precipitates are used for profile control, then high temperature resistance is improved, but migration distance deteriorates due to plugging near boreholes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic, size-transformable particles that can change their physical state based on environmental conditions. The graphite oxide nanoparticles remain dispersed at injection conditions but automatically aggregate when encountering high salinity reservoir fluids, enabling long-distance migration followed by in-situ plugging deep in the reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses salinity-induced aggregation as an intermediary mechanism. The high salinity environment acts as a trigger that mediates the transition from dispersed nanoparticles to aggregated particles, enabling controlled plugging at the desired location rather than immediate precipitation near the borehole.
3Length of moving object
If foams are used for profile control, then migration distance is improved, but duration of action deteriorates due to short-lived foam stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces long-lived but complex foam systems with short-lived nanoparticles that achieve their function quickly. The graphite oxide nanoparticles migrate long distances in dispersed form, then rapidly aggregate upon encountering high salinity, providing permanent plugging without requiring long-term stability mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical foam structure (bubbles stabilized by surfactants) with a chemical aggregation system based on salinity-induced nanoparticle coalescence. This replacement eliminates foam stability issues while achieving similar profile control objectives through a different physical-chemical mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If existing profile control agents are used in high salinity environments, then injectability is improved, but high salinity resistance deteriorates due to poor performance under harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional requirements into two distinct phases: injection phase and reservoir phase. During injection, nanoparticles remain as small, dispersible units for easy injection. Upon encountering high salinity reservoir fluids, they aggregate into larger structures for effective plugging, with the salinity environment itself serving as the switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal profile control agent that functions effectively across different injection conditions and reservoir environments. The graphite oxide nanoparticles with grafted polyether amine provide both easy injectability in low salinity injection fluids and effective profile control in high salinity reservoir conditions, eliminating the need for separate systems.
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
Enhances oil and gas recovery by controlling heterogeneity in ultra-deep reservoirs with high temperature and salinity resistance, injectability, and long-distance migration.
Implementation Method 1
monofunctional polyether amine covalently grafted to the surface of the graphite oxide nanoparticles through amide bonds
Implementation Method 2
the modified graphite oxide nanoparticles have self-coalescence effect under the conditions of high temperature and high salinity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a salinity-induced self-coalescence modified graphite oxide nanoparticles profile control system, preparation method thereof and application method thereof in profile control of ultra-deep reservoir.