Stabilized Nanoparticle Compositions for High-Temperature Subterranean Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating subterranean formations to enhance hydrocarbon fluid recovery are limited by the stability and colloidal stability of nanoparticles in high-temperature and high-salinity environments, leading to aggregation and reduced effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising coated nanoparticles with a linker and stabilizing groups, along with specific ions, is introduced, which maintains colloidal stability even at elevated temperatures and high salinity, ensuring effective placement and functionality in subterranean formations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If nanoparticles are used in high-temperature and high-salinity environments, then hydrocarbon recovery is enhanced, but colloidal stability deteriorates leading to aggregation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon recoveryVSAvoidcolloidal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by creating a multi-component nanoparticle structure consisting of a core nanoparticle, a linker layer, and a stabilizing group. This composite structure combines the functional properties of nanoparticles with the stabilizing properties of the linker and stabilizing groups, enabling the system to maintain colloidal stability in high-temperature and high-salinity environments while enhancing hydrocarbon recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the linker as an intermediary component between the nanoparticle core and the stabilizing group. The linker includes an anchoring group that binds to the nanoparticle surface and a terminal group that interacts with the stabilizing group, mediating the interaction between the nanoparticle and the environment to prevent aggregation while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If nanoparticles are placed in subterranean formations, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but nanoparticle aggregation occurs reducing performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidnanoparticle aggregation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful aggregation tendency of nanoparticles in high-salinity environments into a beneficial stable colloidal system. The stabilizing groups and linker are designed to interact favorably with high-salinity conditions, transforming the harsh environment from a source of aggregation into a condition that maintains colloidal stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the nanoparticle surface by introducing specific functional groups (amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, phosphate) through the linker and stabilizing groups. These parameter changes in surface chemistry enable the nanoparticles to resist aggregation in high-temperature and high-salinity subterranean environments while maintaining treatment effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 coated nanoparticles maintain a stable hydrodynamic radius and colloidal stability, enhancing their performance and longevity in subterranean environments, thereby improving hydrocarbon recovery and treatment processes.

Implementation Method 1

The stabilizing groups can include, but are not limited to, amino groups, carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups, phosphate groups, and the like. The coated nanoparticles maintain colloidal stability in high-temperature and high-salinity environments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 2

The linker can include an anchoring group, a spacer, and a terminal group. The anchoring group can be covalently bound to the nanoparticle and at least one of the terminal groups can be covalently bound to at least one stabilizing group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCovalent bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11254857B2Stabilized nanoparticle compositions comprising ions

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A composition including a coated nanoparticle and an ion, wherein the coated nanoparticle includes a nanoparticle, a linker, and a stabilizing group; methods of making and using the composition; and systems including the composition. The linker includes an anchoring group, a spacer, and a terminal group. The anchoring group is covalently bound to the nanoparticle and at least one of the terminal groups is covalently bound to at least one stabilizing group. A composition including a crosslinked-coated nanoparticle and an ion, wherein the crosslinked-coated nanoparticle includes a nanoparticle and a coating that includes a linker, a crosslinker, and a stabilizing group; methods of making and using the composition; and systems including the composition.