Nanotechnology Extended Release Asphaltene Inhibitor System/Formulation for Improved Squeeze Applications

Abstract Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are synthesized in the presence of asphaltene inhibitors such that asphaltene inhibitor is loaded within the nanoparticle carrier platform resulting particles with 50-400 nm average particle diameter. Particle size distributions, imaging of particles, surface charge measurements, and specific surface area measurements confirm successful synthesis. Synthesis parameters are customized to target particle size distributions, attachment to rock, inhibitor release rate, stability with time, temperature, shear and easy pumpability and no formation damage. Modification of particle surface chemistries was successful allowing for suspension in either aqueous or oil-based formulas and facilitate rock attachments. Further, these asphaltene inhibitor-loaded nanoparticles are synthesized in either an aqueous or oil solvents for customized squeeze design. Also, batch testing and measurements of core test effluents indicate that asphaltene inhibitor is successfully contained within nanoparticle carriers. These formulations have a 3x increase in treatment time compared to commercial asphaltene inhibitors in labscale core testing. This is a successful proof of concept that such nanoparticle systems can be pumped into reservoir material and provide a controlled release of asphaltene inhibitor.