The Effect of Different Brine Solutions on the Viscosity of VES Micelles

Abstract

Viscoelastic surfactants can provide viscoelastic properties in brines at high temperatures (higher than 230°F). Recent studies have shown the advantages of use nanoparticles in VES fluid systems. The nanoparticles have large surface area as well as unique surface morphology and surface reactivity. They can strengthen the micelle-micelle interactions. A small concentration of these particles can maintain viscosity at higher temperatures (up to 300°F) and decrease the rate of VES fluid leakoff (Huang, Crews and Willingham, 2008).The viscoelasticity of nanoparticle-networked VES fluid systems was analyzed with a HP/HT viscometer. A series of rheology experiments have been performed by using 4 vol% amidoamine oxide surfactant in KCl, NaCl and CaBr 2 brines at temperatures up to 275°F and a shear rate of 10 s -1 . The nanoparticles evaluated were MgO and ZnO at the concentration of 6 pptg. In addition, the effect of different nanoparticle concentrations (0.5 to 10 pptg) on the viscosity of VES fluid was investigated. The oscillatory shear rate sweep (100 to 1 s -1 ) was performed from 100 to 200°F. The effect of an internal breaker on the viscosity of VES micelles was examined.

A State-of-the-Art Review of Nanoparticles Application in Petroleum with a Focus on Enhanced Oil Recovery

“…Reduce or stop water invasion in shale by plugging shale pore [26,27] Nanodiamond Improve drilling process in harsh and demanding environment [28] Silica and alumina NPs Cement accelerator [29] MgO and ZnO NPs Improve thermal stability of drilling fluid [30] Nanoclay Reduce permeability and porosity of cement and enhanced compressive strength [31] Carbon nanotubes Improve compressive strength in HPHT [32] Cellulose nanofibers & graphene nano-platelets Increase yield stresses, degree of hydration, flexural and compressive strengths [33] Stimulation & Production…”

“…Metallic and metal oxide-based NPs for enhancing the properties of drilling fluids have also been investigated [30,56,57], specifically iron-based and calcium-based NPs [57], and MgO and ZnO NPs [30]. Adding NPs was found to improve the thermal stability of drilling fluids and control the filtration loss from the reservoir.…”