Geoscience: Environmental Issues
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Abstract on Inexpensive, Non-Toxic Nanofluid: A Game-Changer for Oil Recovery Original source 

Inexpensive, Non-Toxic Nanofluid: A Game-Changer for Oil Recovery

Oil recovery is a complex process that requires the use of various techniques to extract oil from reservoirs. One of the most common methods used is water flooding, which involves injecting water into the reservoir to push the oil towards production wells. However, this method has its limitations, and researchers have been exploring new ways to improve oil recovery. One promising solution is the use of nanofluids, which are fluids containing nanoparticles that can improve the efficiency of oil recovery. In this article, we will discuss how an inexpensive, non-toxic nanofluid could be a game-changer for oil recovery.

What are Nanofluids?

Nanofluids are fluids that contain nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. These nanoparticles can be made from various materials such as metals, oxides, and polymers. When these nanoparticles are added to a fluid, they can alter its properties such as thermal conductivity, viscosity, and surface tension. This makes nanofluids useful in various applications such as heat transfer, lubrication, and energy storage.

How Can Nanofluids Improve Oil Recovery?

When injected into an oil reservoir, nanofluids can alter the properties of the reservoir rock and improve the efficiency of oil recovery. For example, nanoparticles can reduce the interfacial tension between oil and water, making it easier for water to displace oil. Nanoparticles can also plug the pores in the reservoir rock and prevent water from bypassing the oil.

The Game-Changing Nanofluid

Researchers at Rice University have developed an inexpensive and non-toxic nanofluid that could revolutionize oil recovery. The nanofluid contains graphene oxide nanoparticles that are dispersed in water. Graphene oxide is a two-dimensional material that has excellent mechanical and electrical properties. It is also biocompatible and non-toxic, making it safe for use in oil recovery.

The researchers tested the nanofluid on a sandstone core sample and found that it improved the efficiency of oil recovery by up to 58%. The nanofluid was able to reduce the interfacial tension between oil and water, making it easier for water to displace oil. The graphene oxide nanoparticles also plugged the pores in the sandstone and prevented water from bypassing the oil.

Advantages of the Nanofluid

The graphene oxide nanofluid has several advantages over other nanofluids. Firstly, it is inexpensive to produce as graphene oxide can be synthesized from graphite, which is abundant and cheap. Secondly, it is non-toxic and biocompatible, making it safe for use in oil recovery. Thirdly, it has excellent mechanical and electrical properties, which could make it useful in other applications such as energy storage and electronics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of an inexpensive and non-toxic nanofluid containing graphene oxide nanoparticles could be a game-changer for oil recovery. The nanofluid has been shown to improve the efficiency of oil recovery by reducing interfacial tension and plugging pores in reservoir rock. It is also inexpensive to produce and safe for use in oil recovery. The potential applications of this nanofluid extend beyond oil recovery, making it a promising material for future research.

FAQs

1. What is a nanofluid?

A nanofluid is a fluid that contains nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers.

2. How can nanofluids improve oil recovery?

Nanofluids can alter the properties of the reservoir rock and improve the efficiency of oil recovery by reducing interfacial tension and plugging pores in the rock.

3. What is graphene oxide?

Graphene oxide is a two-dimensional material that has excellent mechanical and electrical properties. It is also biocompatible and non-toxic.

4. Why is the graphene oxide nanofluid a game-changer for oil recovery?

The graphene oxide nanofluid is inexpensive to produce, non-toxic, and has excellent mechanical and electrical properties. It has been shown to improve the efficiency of oil recovery by up to 58%.

5. What are the potential applications of the graphene oxide nanofluid?

The graphene oxide nanofluid could be useful in other applications such as energy storage and electronics due to its excellent mechanical and electrical properties.

 


This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.

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oil (6), recovery (4)