Application of Nanoparticles in Stimulation: A Review

• Published in: Energy & fuels Vol. 36; no. 8; pp. 4276 - 4296
• Main Authors: Aljawad, Murtada Saleh, Alade, Olalekan Saheed, Hassan, Amjed, Mahmoud, Mohamed, Kamal, Muhammad Shahzad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Chemical Society 21.04.2022
• ISSN: 0887-0624; 1520-5029
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.2c00445

Oil well stimulation treatments have been employed to improve the productivity index, either by imposing a negative skin effect through hydraulic fracturing or by reducing a positive skin effect using matrix acidizing. The commonly used stimulation fluids are polymer-based, viscoelastic surfactant-based, emulsion (oil)-based, and foam-based. The stability and performance efficiency of the stimulation fluids under harsh conditions of high temperature and high pressures have remained a critical factor. Thus, in recent times, the incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) as additives in the fluid formulation has received significant attention. NPs have been reported as rheology modifiers, cross-linking agents, gel breakers, leakoff control additives, foam stabilizers, proppant surface modifiers, and emulsion stabilizers in different types of stimulation fluids. In this review, we discuss the application of nanoparticles in different types of stimulation fluids. The different roles of nanoparticles are highlighted. Factors affecting the performance of nanoparticles in stimulation fluids are also covered. Although laboratory experiments have shown the exceptional performance of nanoparticles, the field application of different nanoparticles in stimulation fluids is still limited.