Recent progress in microencapsulation technology and its applications in petroleum industry

Oilfield chemicals play a pivotal role in optimizing the development of oil and gas resources. Emerging technologies for the controlled release of these chemicals have captured considerable interest among petroleum engineers. Microencapsulation, a method widely employed for controlled release in various industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, is gaining traction in the realm of oil and gas exploitation. This paper provides a comprehensive review of encapsulation technologies, including solvent evaporation, coacervation, and polymerization methods. Special emphasis is placed on recent advancements in the applications of microcapsules within the oil and gas sector. Given the profound impact of release behavior on storage and engineering performance, the controlled-release mechanisms of environment-responsive microcapsules in challenging reservoir conditions are thoroughly examined. This article concludes by shedding light on potential future research directions for microcapsules in the oil and gas industry, providing valuable insights into intelligent chemical release.