Experimental characterization of colloidal silica gel for water conformance control in oil reservoirs

Ghaffari, Zahra; Rezvani, Hosein; Khalilnezhad, Ali; Cortés, Farid B.; Riazi, Masoud

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-13035-1

Cited by 9 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…Particle collision is believed to retard silica−particle repulsion caused by surface ionization in an alkaline solution and form aggregates in a long-chain-like network that strengthens to form solid-state gel. 34,35 3.1.2. Effect of the Salinity on the Gelation Time.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Besides, the early gelation is attributed to an increase in particle collision as a result of an increase in Brownian motion at elevated temperatures. Particle collision is believed to retard silica–particle repulsion caused by surface ionization in an alkaline solution and form aggregates in a long-chain-like network that strengthens to form solid-state gel. , …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Emulsified Silica Gel for Deep Reservoir Water Conformance Control

et al. 2023

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Large volumes of water are produced with the production of oil, posing challenges of corrosion, scaling, and an increased water−oil ratio. Silica-based gels have previously been used as water sealants; however, reservoirs with high temperature and/or salinity cause early gelation, thereby preventing deep penetration into the reservoir. This work discusses factors affecting gel formation from colloidal silica and mixing methods for the preparation of a thermally stable Pickering emulsion and the effect of various parameters on its rheology. Sensitivities include salinities ranging from 5 to 20 wt % for seven different salts, silica gel concentrations from 20 to 28 wt %, pH values from 4 to 9, and temperatures from 80 to 150 °C. The effect of each parameter on the gelation time and gel strength was studied at a constant shear rate and pressure of 100 s −1 and 1100 psi, respectively. A commercial phyllosilicate (organoclay) has been used with diesel to form an invert emulsion of 28% silica gel, with diesel as a continuous phase and colloidal silica as a dispersed phase. Dynamic gel tests were performed to study the effect of the emulsion mixing method, temperature, and organoclay concentrations on the emulsion stability, strength, and viscosity. A lower concentration of salt has a longer gelation time with a lower gel strength. Increasing pH increases the gel strength but reduces the gelation time. The Pickering emulsion formed is stable to high shear, high temperatures, and high salinities. The bulk mixing method produces a direct emulsion, whereas drop-by-drop mixing results in an invert emulsion. A comparison of the gelation time and viscosity has also been provided with non-emulsified silica gel to highlight the benefit of encapsulation in terms of increased gelation time. This work will help academia and industry in designing a cost-effective system for water conformance control in harsh reservoir conditions.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Emulsified Silica Gel for Deep Reservoir Water Conformance Control

et al. 2023

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“…A new pattern was used in a glass-glass micromodel to visualize flow diversion by application of silica gel. [148] Gas EOR consists of injecting gases such as carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), nitrogen (N 2 ), rich gas, and dry gas, among others. Those gases maintain pressure, displace, and reduce the viscosity of oil to increase production.…”

Section: Enhanced Oil Recoverymentioning

confidence: 99%

Microfluidic devices, materials, and recent progress for petroleum applications: A review

Betancur,

Quevedo,

Olmos

2024

Can J Chem Eng

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Microfluidic devices are miniaturized systems that manipulate fluids on a small scale, typically at microlitre or nanolitre volumes. They have received significant attention in various industries, including petroleum applications. The recent advancements in microfluidic devices for petroleum applications have the potential to improve oil recovery efficiency, reduce costs, and provide valuable insights into fluid behaviour and reservoir characterization. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of microfluidic devices, their materials, and their applications in the petroleum industry. The first section of the paper focuses on describing the materials used in microfluidic devices specifically tailored for energy sector applications. In the second section, the paper highlights relevant applications and discoveries in petroleum research, showcasing the innovative techniques and special features enabled by microfluidic devices. These applications include but are not limited to asphaltenes characterization, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), and water treatment. The versatility and customization of microfluidic devices have allowed researchers to accurately represent fractures, ensure chemical conformance, simulate high pressure–high temperature conditions and reservoir heterogeneity, and study geochemical interaction. Additionally, molecular tagging and machine learning techniques have been employed for image analysis, further enhancing the capabilities of microfluidic devices. Throughout the paper, the advantages and disadvantages of implementing microfluidic devices and utilizing specific materials are thoroughly discussed. This analysis provides valuable insights into the challenges and potential limitations associated with this technology. To conclude, the paper offers suggestions, ideas, and highlights for future research paths, pointing toward promising directions for further exploration in this field.

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“…The reason of forming this gel is entrapment of water clusters between silica NPs. In fact, the presence of salt leads to agglomeration of silica NPs and agglomerated NPs entrap the water ganglia (Ghaffari et al 2022 ). The main mechanism for reducing viscosity of heavy oil by NPs is adsorption and cracking of heavy compounds and consequently diminishing the size of aggregations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review on application of nanoparticles for EOR purposes: history and current challenges

Iravani

Khalilnezhad

2023

J Petrol Explor Prod Technol

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Applications of nanotechnology in several fields of petroleum industry, e.g., refinery, drilling and enhanced oil recovery (EOR), have attracted a lot of attention, recently. This research investigates the applications of nanoparticles in EOR process. The potential of various nanoparticles, in hybrid and bare forms for altering the state of wettability, reducing the interfacial tension (IFT), changing the viscosity and activation of other EOR mechanisms are studied based on recent findings. Focusing on EOR, hybrid applications of nanoparticles with surfactants, polymers, low-salinity phases and foams are discussed and their synergistic effects are evaluated. Also, activated EOR mechanisms are defined and specified. Since the stabilization of nanofluids in harsh conditions of reservoir is vital for EOR applications, different methods for stabilizing nanofluids through EOR procedures are reviewed. Besides, a discussion on different functional groups of NPs is represented. Later, an economic model for evaluation of EOR process is examined and “Hotelling” method as an appropriate model for investigation of economic aspects of EOR process is introduced in detail. The findings of this study can lead to better understanding of fundamental basis about efficiency of nanoparticles in EOR process, activated EOR mechanisms during application of nanoparticles, selection of appropriate nanoparticles, the methods of stabilizing and economic evaluation for EOR process with respect to costs and outcomes.

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Experimental characterization of colloidal silica gel for water conformance control in oil reservoirs

Cited by 9 publications

References 39 publications

Emulsified Silica Gel for Deep Reservoir Water Conformance Control

Emulsified Silica Gel for Deep Reservoir Water Conformance Control

Microfluidic devices, materials, and recent progress for petroleum applications: A review

A review on application of nanoparticles for EOR purposes: history and current challenges

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