Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide an imaging system and method using adaptive optics and optimization algorithms for imaging through highly scattering media in oil reservoir applications and lab-based petroleum research. Two-/multi-photon fluorescence microscopy is used in conjunction with adaptive optics for enhanced imaging and detection capabilities in scattering reservoir media. Advanced fluorescence techniques are used to allow for super-penetration imaging to compensate for aberrations both in and out of the field of interest, extending the depth at which pore geometry can be imaged within a rock matrix beyond the current capability of confocal microscopy. The placement of a Deformable Mirror or Spatial Light Modulator for this application, in which scattering and index mismatch are dominant aberrations, is in an optical plane that is conjugate to the pupil plane of the objective lens in the imaging system.
Abstract:
A composition for stabilizing dispersed particles in an ionically charged solution is disclosed. The composition includes a carbonaceous substrate, the carbonaceous substrate operable to undergo a grafting-to approach for functionalization. The composition also includes a covalently bound stabilizing polymer, the covalently bound stabilizing polymer operable to be prepared as a diazonium salt for grafting to the carbonaceous substrate and a plurality of positively and negatively charged subgroups, the plurality of positively and negatively charged subgroups positioned within the covalently bound stabilizing polymer, where the plurality of positively and negatively charged subgroups are operable to stabilize the dispersed particles amongst positively and negatively charged ions within the ionically charged solution.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to methods for determining imbibition of hydraulic fracturing fluids into hydrocarbon-bearing formations. More specifically, the disclosure relates to laboratory methods for determining certain unconventional flow parameters to measure the imbibition over time of hydraulic fracturing fluids into a low-permeability hydrocarbon-bearing rock formation.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by the on-hoard treatment of a portion or all of the hydrocarbon fuel used to power an internal combustion engine mounted in a conventional transportation vehicle, utilize known decarbonization technology to break the fuel's hydrogen-carbon bond. The compounds are then cooled and separated into (1) elemental carbon powder that is stored on-board for later recovery and industrial use, and (2) hydrogen, or a hydrogen-rich gas stream, that is burned as a fuel in the ICE and/or diverted to other on-board energy related applications.
Abstract:
A method involves mixing metallic particles and a liquefied polymer to form a mixture, placing the mixture within a mold, placing a magnet in the vicinity of the mixture within the mold, thereby causing the metallic particles to position themselves in a self-assembly formation within the mixture in response to a magnetic field generated by the magnet, and solidifying the liquefied polymer, such that a polymer matrix is formed. The metallic particles are distributed and secured in the self-assembly formation throughout the polymer matrix, thereby forming a ballast for an untethered downhole tool configured to be lowered into a well formed in a subterranean formation. The polymer matrix is configured to dissolve in response to being exposed to downhole fluid within the well at specified downhole conditions.
Abstract:
Well treatment fluids may include solid particles comprising one or more components selected from the group consisting of urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride, barium hydroxide, and ammonium thiocyanate. These well treatment fluids may also include a carrier fluid, which may be an aqueous polymeric fluid, an oil, or combinations thereof. The aqueous polymeric fluid may include a polymer selected from the group consisting of guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar, carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar, cellulose, or polyacrylamide. The oil may include a material selected from the group consisting of diesel, mineral oil, and wax. Methods for reducing an acid carbonate reaction in a carbonate formation may include pumping a composition of solid particles into a formation; releasing the solid particles from the capsules or emulsion within the formation; and injecting an acid following the releasing step or during pumping, wherein the acid carbonate reaction is carried out at a reduced reaction rate.
Abstract:
Provided are water-soluble polymers that may include a water-soluble bipolymer, a water-soluble anionic terpolymer, and a water-soluble cationic terpolymer. The water-soluble polymers may include a reaction product of a first monomer that has a vinyl-containing group linked to a pendant carbohydrate moiety; a second monomer that has a vinyl group, a carbonyl group and a nitrogen; an anionic monomer in a water-soluble anionic terpolymer; and a cationic monomer in a water-soluble cationic terpolymer. Further provided are aqueous solutions that may include a water-soluble bipolymer, a water-soluble anionic terpolymer, and a water-soluble cationic terpolymer. Further provided are methods of use that may include introducing an aqueous solution into a formation such that the formation fractures, where the aqueous solution may include a water-soluble bipolymer, a water-soluble anionic terpolymer, and a water-soluble cationic terpolymer.
Abstract:
A method of estimating dissolution progress of a salt in construction of a salt cavern includes: defining, for each of a plurality of parameters, an operable range of respective parameter and an average value of the operable range of respective parameter; performing a plurality of flooding tests, by varying one particular parameter among the plurality of parameters from a lowest value to a highest value in the operable range of the one particular parameter and keeping all other parameters at the average value of respective parameter; and obtaining an analytical relationship of a mass of dissolved salt versus the one particular parameter.
Abstract:
A method for evaluating and controlling a washout region of a wellbore placed in a formation includes: obtaining information about the wellbore and the formation; establishing a washout indicator function as a function of time and location; computationally determining whether the washout region exists by calculating the washout indicator function on a cross section of the wellbore and the formation, at each depth in a specific depth range; and upon finding presence of the washout region in the specific depth range, quantifying the washout region. The washout indicator function returns: a negative value for a point within the formation; a positive value for a point within the washout region; and zero for a point on a boundary.
Abstract:
A method for remediating fractures in a cement structure including heating the cement structure to a temperature at or above the melting temperature of the eutectic metal alloy particles to allow the particles to flow in liquid state into the fractures in the cement structure until the heat source is discontinued, allowing the particles to cool and solidify.