Abstract
Problem statement: Nanotech applications in the oil industry are not completely new: nanoparticles have been successfully used in drilling muds for the past 50 years. Only recently all the other key areas of the oil industry, such as exploration, primary and assisted production, monitoring, refining and distribution, are approaching nanotechnologies as the potential Philosopher's stone for facing critical issues related to remote locations (such as ultra-deep water and artic environments), harsh conditions (high-temperature and high-pressure formations), non-conventional reservoirs (heavy oils, tight gas, tar sands). The general aim is to bridge the gap between the oil industry and nanotechnology community using various initiatives such as consortia between oil and service companies and nanotechnology excellence centres, networking communities, workshops and conferences and even dedicated research units inside some oil companies. Quite surprisingly, even if a lot of discussion is taking place, no substantial research on these topics is currently being undertaken around the world by the petroleum industry. A very different attitude is demonstrated by other industries and the advances they achieved are outstanding. Approach: This study provides an overview of the most interesting nanotechnology applications and critically highlights the potential benefits that could come from transposing the same-or adapted-solutions to the oil industry. Results/Conclusion: As extensively illustrated, some technologies which are already available off-the-shelf can offer real improvements in dealing with some specific issues of the oil industry. Other technologies can require further elaboration before direct use, but their potential is enormous.
Highlights
Recently all the other key areas of the oil industry, such as exploration, primary and assisted production, monitoring, refining and distribution, are approaching nanotechnologies as the potential Philosopher's stone for facing critical issues related to remote locations, harsh conditions, nonconventional reservoirs
Approach: This study provides an overview of the most interesting nanotechnology applications and critically highlights the potential benefits that could come from transposing the same-or adapted-solutions to the oil industry
According to well-established estimates by the U.S Department of Energy (DOE), nowadays approximately 67% of the U.S oil remains in place and it are generally known that the worldwide scenario is not much different, figures might not be supported by as accurate global statistics
Summary
Properties of nano- between 0.4 and 1.8 nm and vary in length up to several materials such as lightness, corrosion resistance and hundred nanometers, depending on the production mechanical strength are and will be significant enablers, methodologies Electrons flow through these nanotubes for example, for drilling and completion activities. Other emerging applications of material for use in data storage (Cui et al, 2002), while nanotechnology are represented by the development of scanning probe microscopes may eventually be used as new types of “smart fluids” for water shut-off and a tool for data transfer. Another nanotechnology material, called graphene, has long been regarded as one of the most promising
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