Nanoparticle-based stimulation fluid and methods of use in subterranean formations
AssigneeThe Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
InventorsSangho Bang, Bor Jier Shiau, Jeffrey H. Harwell, Elsayed R. Abdelfatah, Maysam Pournik
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Abstract
Compositions of nanoparticle-based stimulation fluids and methods of use for acid diversion from high permeability zones into low permeability zones to achieve deep penetration of wormholes in subterranean formations, such as carbonate formations. Certain embodiments include a gel precursor composition comprising metal oxide nanoparticles, such as silicon dioxide nanoparticles as a gelling agent, and magnesium chloride.
Claims14
A method for in situ acid stimulation of a subterranean formation having a temperature, wherein the subterranean formation is a carbonate formation, comprising:
- contacting the subterranean formation with an aqueous gel precursor composition comprising:
- silica nanoparticles;
- magnesium chloride (MgCl2);
- and
- hydrochloric acid (HCl), wherein the aqueous gel precursor composition has a low viscosity at a shear rate at which the aqueous gel precursor is injected into the subterranean formation, wherein the low viscosity is in a range of about 1 centipose (cp) to about 15 cp, and forms a gel at the temperature of the subterranean formation.
A method of enhancing oil and/or gas recovery from a subterranean formation, wherein the subterranean formation is a carbonate formation, comprising:
- contacting the subterranean formation with an aqueous gel precursor composition comprising:
- silica nanoparticles;
- magnesium chloride (MgCl2);
- and
- hydrochloric acid (HCl), wherein the aqueous gel precursor composition has a low viscosity at a shear rate at which the aqueous gel precursor is injected into the subterranean formation, wherein the low viscosity is in a range of about 1 centipose (cp) to about 15 cp, and forms a gel at a temperature of the subterranean formation;
- and
- recovering oil and/or gas from the subterranean formation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.