Nano-sensors for oil and gas reservoir characterization
US9494023B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V9/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Enhanced oil recovery becomes increasingly important in satisfying the growing demand for fossil fuel. The efficiency of secondary recovery processes like water flooding is however largely influenced by the rock characteristics, fluid characteristics, chemistry and physics. For development of the full potential of secondary oil recovery, it remains a challenge to obtain sufficient knowledge about the reservoir conditions. The present invention provides a novel water-dispersed, nano-sensor composition based on. InP/ZnS quantum dots (“QDs”) and atomic silver clusters, which exhibit a bright visible fluorescence combined with dedicated sensor functionalities. The QD and silver nano-sensors were tested in simulated reservoir conditions to determine their selected functionality to these reservoir conditions. The developed nano-sensors showed improved sensor functionalities towards pH, temperature, and subterranean reservoir rock, such, as clay or limestone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.