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Utilizing a Paper-Based Platform for Oilfield Applications: Time-Resolved Fluorescence Imaging and Detection of
Bora Yoon1, Kiera Y Tai1, Gawain M Thomas1
1Aramco Americas: Aramco Research Center, Boston 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.
ACS Omega
|February 26, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a portable paper-based platform for quickly analyzing chemical tracers in oilfield water. The new method simplifies detection, even with crude oil present, improving reservoir management.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Petroleum Engineering
Background:
- Chemical tracers are vital for oil and gas reservoir characterization and production optimization.
- Analyzing water tracers in reservoir fluids is complex, requiring specialized equipment and procedures, especially in remote locations.
- Current methods for interwell water tracer analysis are time-consuming and labor-intensive, hindering real-time reservoir management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simplified, portable, and accessible method for time-resolved fluorescence detection of dipicolinic acid (DPA) tracers.
- To enable on-site analysis of water tracers in oilfield applications, overcoming limitations of traditional laboratory-based methods.
- To create an oil-blind detection system for accurate tracer quantification in the presence of crude oil.
Main Methods:
- Developed a paper-based platform utilizing cyclen-based macrocyclic ligands for stable immobilization of terbium ions (Tb3+) on quartz microfilter paper.
- Enabled the formation of fluorescent dipicolinic acid-terbium (DPA-Tb3+) complexes on the paper surface.
- Employed time-gated fluorescence detection using an intensified charge-coupled device camera to suppress background fluorescence from crude oil.
Main Results:
- Achieved sensitive and stable immobilization of Tb3+, enabling oil-blind detection of DPA tracers.
- Demonstrated quantification of DPA concentrations down to 158 ppb (9.45 × 10-7 M) using time-resolved fluorescence measurements.
- Successfully detected DPA tracers in samples contaminated with crude oil, validating the platform's practicality for oilfield conditions.
Conclusions:
- The paper-based platform offers a simplified, portable, and sensitive solution for time-resolved fluorescence detection of DPA tracers.
- This technology enhances accessibility for on-site tracer analysis in the oil and gas industry, facilitating efficient water flood management.
- The developed method effectively overcomes challenges associated with crude oil interference, paving the way for improved reservoir characterization and production optimization.
