Propagation of Carbon Nanotube Hybrids through Porous Media for Advancing Oilfield Technology

Abstract

Abstract Carbon nanotube hybrids (CNTs) have attracted research interest due to their interfacial activity. CNTs can stabilize emulsions and foams and can be used as contrast agents or tracers in rock matrix. In addition, catalytic functionalities can be attached to the nanotubes making them delivery vehicles for catalyst into zones deep inside the reservoir. Generating stable dispersion of CNTs in harsh reservoir conditions has been the main challenge for utilizing the tubes in in-situ reservoir applications. This is because the dispersed tubes tend to form aggregates that settle down in the presence of high ionic strength (high salinity) brines. In this work, stable dispersion of carbon nanotubes prepared in reservoir fluids is realized by successfully separating individual tubes using such additives as polymers and surfactants. For example, the CNTs would be well dispersed via sonication with highly polarizable polymer such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) or Gum Arabic (GA). To mitigating their agglomeration, a secondary additive such as hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) polymer is also added to provide adequate steric repulsion for their propagation in porous media at high salinity brines. The nanotube dispersion generated using these dual polymer system is able to deliver successfully through both consolidated cores (200mD permeability of Berea sandstone) and sand pack experiments (4D permeability) with minimal retention at mimic reservoir conditions (65°C and brine compositions of 8% NaCl and 2% CaCl2). Results of the eluted nanoparticles indicate that greater than 80% recovery of injected concentration observed in both consolidated and non-consolidated porous media. Small adsorbed amount of nanotubes is capable of saturating the adsorption sites inside porous media resulting in complete propagation of subsequent injections; this is corroborated by nanotube concentrations approaching 100% of the injected concentration after few pore volumes of injection. Experiments also demonstrated that in the presence of residual oil inside crushed Berea sandstone sand columns, the extent of nanotubes adsorption to the oil/water interface is a function of the level of oil saturation. This work is providing insight about the full potential of using carbon nanotubes in oilfield development applications.