Preparation of Temperature-Activated Nanomaterial-Enhanced Phase Transition Emulsion and Study on Self-Generating...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Petroleum Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Lost circulation in oil and gas drilling is a significant challenge.
• Conventional plugging materials often exhibit poor compatibility with geological fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a temperature-activated nanomaterial-enhanced liquid-solid phase transition plugging emulsion.
• To address the limitations of conventional lost circulation materials in fractured formations.

Main Methods:

• Thermosetting resin emulsification and high-temperature crosslinking coalescence were employed.
• System optimization involved varying concentrations of emulsifier, dispersant, crosslinker, viscosifier, distilled water, and nano-silica.
• Structural characteristics, mechanical properties, and fracture-plugging performance were systematically investigated.

Main Results:

• The optimized system produced plugging particles (1-5 mm) at formation temperatures of 80-120 °C.
• Particles demonstrated excellent thermal stability and compressive strength after aging at 180 °C (3.07-5.41% degradation, 0.63-3.40% mass loss).
• The system effectively sealed 1-5 mm fractures under 10 MPa pressure, showing adaptive plugging capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The developed plugging emulsion offers a promising solution for lost circulation in fractured reservoirs.
• Its adaptive nature and high performance under downhole conditions make it suitable for challenging drilling environments.
• The nanomaterial enhancement contributes to improved particle strength and thermal stability.