Recent Advances in Deep Eutectic Solvents as Shale Swelling Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Inhibitors have evolved from their primary function of controlling swelling during hydraulic fracturing processes in shale reservoirs. This study provides a comprehensive review of recent deep eutectic solvent (DES) advancements as inhibitors in swelling inhibition techniques. The swelling inhibitory potentials and mechanisms of DESs have been studied analytically and compared to existing conventional inhibitors. The functional effects of concentration, temperature, and types of DES are explored. Data on the effect of DES on rheology, swelling, zeta potential, shale cutting recovery, surface tension, particle size distribution, XRD, and FTIR analyses are presented. Along with preparation procedures, environmental concerns and applications of DESs in several fields are discussed. This study suggests that DESs are preferable swelling inhibitors due to their inhibitory performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. Moreover, this review includes guidelines and recommendations for selecting and designing DES to inhibit swelling more effectively.

Volumetric Investigation of Cu(II) And Hg(II) Aqueous Mixtures with {Tetrabutylammonium Bromide + Glycerol (1:3)} Deep Eutectic Solvents and Extraction Performances of {Tetrabutylammonium Bromide + Capric Acid/Oleic Acid} over Divalent (Cu and Hg) Heavy Metals

“…A bending of nearly 1473 cm –1 was recorded for quaternary ammonium-based DESs. This peak represents the −NH bond and it was expected ammonium (−NH) stretching noted in tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) …”

“…This peak represents the −NH bond and it was expected ammonium (−NH) stretching noted in tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB). 42 The IR spectrum of pure glycerol (in Figures 13b and S2) shows a strong and broad absorption peak at 3283 cm −1 due to O−H stretching, while C−H stretching vibrations of the − CH 2 and −CH groups were revealed by the peaks in the region of ∼2879 and ∼2933 cm −1 , respectively. Bending of the C− O−H group in the part of 1400 to 1420 cm −1 , specifically 1412 cm −1 , was observed, 40 and the C−O stretching of the primary alcohol is shown at 1107 cm −1 .…”

A Novel Ascorbic Acid Based Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent as a Drilling Mud Additive for Shale Stabilization

“…NADESs can inhibit shale swelling by interacting with the clay minerals that make up the shale. Shale swelling occurs when clay minerals, such as smectite, absorb water and expand, which can cause problems such as increased mud viscosity, reduced wellbore stability, and decreased hydrocarbon production [49]. One of the ways that DESs can inhibit shale swelling is by reducing the amount of water that the clay minerals can absorb [49].…”

“…Shale swelling occurs when clay minerals, such as smectite, absorb water and expand, which can cause problems such as increased mud viscosity, reduced wellbore stability, and decreased hydrocarbon production [49]. One of the ways that DESs can inhibit shale swelling is by reducing the amount of water that the clay minerals can absorb [49]. The hydrogen-bond-acceptor (HBA) component of the NADES can interact with the clay minerals and reduce the amount of water that they can adsorb by forming hydrogen bonds with the water molecules.…”

“…In a study by Rahman et al (2022), the researchers utilized tetramethylammonium chloride (TMACl) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl) in drilling mud and found that they led to 23.40% and 15.66% reductions in linear swelling, respectively [18]. Rizwan et al (2021) found that using Trihexyltetradecyl phosphonium bis(2,4,4-trimethyl pentyl) phosphonate-based ionic liquid resulted in 12.3% shale inhibition compared to water.…”