Guar Gum-Based Hydrogels as Potent Green Polymers for Enhanced Oil Recovery in High-Salinity Reservoirs

Highly conductive, rapid self-healing, and anti-freezing poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/lignosulfonate-cationic guar gum ionogels for multifunctional sensors

Soft ionic conductors exhibit immense potential for applications in soft ionotronics, including ionic skin, human-machine interface, and soft luminescent device. Nevertheless, the majority of ionogel-based soft ionic conductors are plagued by issues such as freezing, evaporation, liquid leakage, and inadequate self-healing capabilities, thereby constraining their usability in complex environments. In this study, we present a novel strategy for fabricating conductive ionogels through the proportionally mixing cationic guar gum (CGG), water, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BmimCl)/glycerol eutectic-based ionic liquid, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/lignosulfonate (PEDOT/LS). The resultant benefits from strong hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions among its constituents, endowing it with an ultrafast self-healing capability (merely 30 s) while sustaining high electrical conductivity (~16.5 mS cm-1). Moreover, it demonstrates exceptional water retention (62 % over 10 days), wide temperature tolerance (-20 to 60 °C), and injectability. A wearable sensor fabricated from this ionogel displayed remarkable sensitivity (gauge factor = 17.75) and a rapid response to variations in strain, pressure, and temperature, coupled with both long-term stability and wide working temperature range. These attributes underscore its potential for applications in healthcare devices and flexible electronics.

Increasing surface hydrophilicity with biopolymers: a combined single bubble collision, QCM-D and AFM study

HYPOTHESIS

Naturally extracted polysaccharides, such as guar gum, are promising candidates for environmentally friendly flotation reagents. It is hypothesized that the kinetics of collision of sub- to millimeter gas bubbles with a hydrophobic graphite surface, and the stability of thin liquid film formed between the bubble and surface is affected by an adsorbed layer of guar gum.

EXPERIMENTS

A combination of gravimetric (quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation) and imaging (atomic force microscopy) techniques was used to investigate the adsorption of guar gum on graphite surface, while high-speed camera imaging allowed for direct observation of the bubble collision process with guar gum-modified graphite surfaces with millisecond resolution.

FINDINGS

Atomic force microscope topography images revealed a guar gum concentration-dependent interconnected network of guar gum molecules adsorbed at graphite surface. These adsorbed molecules at low surface coverage, changed the wettability of the graphite surface, resulting in a film drainage time longer by an order of magnitude, while at higher surface coverage successfully prevented bubble attachment to the graphite surface. Most importantly, the adsorbed layer changed the strength of the bubble's bouncing off the graphite surface. This enhanced bubble bouncing can be correlated with the film drainage time and used to predict a successful bubble-particle attachment.

Recent updates on guar gum derivatives in colon specific drug delivery

Colon specific delivery of therapeutics have gained much attention of pharmaceutical researchers in the recent past. Colonic specific targeting of drugs is used not only for facilitating absorption of protein or peptide drugs, but also localization of therapeutic agents in colon to treat several colonic disorders. Among various biopolymers, guar gum (GG) exhibits pH dependent swelling, which allows colon specific release of drug. GG also shows microbial degradation in the colonic environment which makes it a suitable excipient for developing colon specific drug delivery systems. The uncontrolled swelling and hydration of GG can be controlled by structural modification or by grafting with another polymeric moiety. Several graft copolymerized guar gum derivatives are investigated for colon targeting of drugs. The efficacy of various guar gum derivatives are evaluated for colon specific delivery of drugs. The reviewed literature evidenced the potentiality of guar gum in localizing drugs in the colonic environment. This review focuses on the synthesis of several guar gum derivatives and their application in developing various colon specific drug delivery systems including matrix tablets, coated formulations, nano or microparticulate delivery systems and hydrogels.

Assessment of modified chitosan composite in acidic reservoirs through pilot and field-scale simulation studies

Chemical flooding through biopolymers acquires higher attention, especially in acidic reservoirs. This research focuses on the application of biopolymers in chemical flooding for enhanced oil recovery in acidic reservoirs, with a particular emphasis on modified chitosan. The modification process involved combining chitosan with vinyl/silane monomers via emulsion polymerization, followed by an assessment of its rheological behavior under simulated reservoir conditions, including salinity, temperature, pressure, and medium pH. Laboratory-scale flooding experiments were carried out using both the original and modified chitosan at conditions of 2200 psi, 135,000 ppm salinity, and 196° temperature. The study evaluated the impact of pressure on the rheological properties of both chitosan forms, finding that the modified composite was better suited to acidic environments, showing enhanced resistance to pressure effects with a significant increase in viscosity and an 11% improvement in oil recovery over the 5% achieved with the unmodified chitosan. Advanced modeling and simulation techniques, particularly using the tNavigator Simulator on the Bahariya formations in the Western Desert, were employed to further understand the polymer solution dynamics in reservoir contexts and to predict key petroleum engineering metrics. The simulation results underscored the effectiveness of the chitosan composite in increasing oil recovery rates, with the composite outperforming both its native counterpart and traditional water flooding, achieving a recovery factor of 48%, compared to 39% and 37% for native chitosan and water flooding, thereby demonstrating the potential benefits of chitosan composites in enhancing oil recovery operations.

Preparation and characterization of slow-release fertilizers loaded guar gum-g-poly methylmethacrylate-cl-polylactic acid (Gg-g-PMMA-cl-PLA) hydrogel and its effect on wheat growth

In order to reduce the harmful effects of synthetic non-biodegradable hydrogel, biopolymers have attracted attention, particularly for use in slow-release fertilizers. The current attempt intends to develop a hydrogel from biopolymers for sustainable release of water and nutrients in soil. Here, guar gum is used as a polysaccharide, MMA as a monomer, KPS as an initiator, and Polylactic acid as a cross-linker. Further investigation is done to study synthesized hydrogel in the development of wheat crop. Biodegradation study shows that it's environmentally favorable and degradable, contributing nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Fertilizer release studies in soil and water show that the timing of the nutrient release is delayed, improving soil water holding capacity and retention studies. The agronomic parameters show that fertilizers-loaded hydrogel has a positive effect on physiological, morphological characteristics like shoot length, root length, number of shoots and roots, shoot weight and root weight, chlorophyll content, and most notably, fruiting efficiency is enhanced as compared with commercially available hydrogel. ATR-FTIR, SEM-EDX, TGA-DTA, and XRD analysis used to confirm successful loading of fertilizers and biodegradation of hydrogel. The encouraging findings suggested that this hydrogel could be used as a multifunctional, fertilizers-loaded hydrogel in crop production.

New polyvinyl alcohol/gellan gum-based bioplastics with guava and chickpea extracts for food packaging

Plastic is a fossil-based synthetic polymer that has become an essential material in our daily life. Plastic pollution resulting from the accumulation of plastic objects has become problematic for our environment. Bioplastic can be a biodegradable environmentally friendly alternative for the synthetic plastic. In this paper, bioplastics based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/gellan gum (GG) blend have been produced in three different compositions and their chemical structure, mechanical, morphological and thermal properties have been studied. Glycerol has been used as a plasticizer. To add extra features to the PVA/GG bioplastic, Psidium guajava (guava) leaves, GL, and chickpea, CP, extracts have been added to the PVA/GG (30/70) blend. Water and aqueous ethanol have been used in the extraction of GL and CP, respectively. The addition of the plant's extracts enhanced the tensile properties of the PVA/GG bioplastic. Weathering acceleration tests have been carried out to examine the degradation of the prepared bioplastics. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that the prepared bioplastic is safe to be used in food packaging applications. Water and oxygen permeability for the new PVA/GG bioplastic have also been studied. The addition of the plant extracts (GL and CP extracts) increased the oxygen and water permeability to different extents. Bioplastic life cycle assessment (LCA) and CO2 emissions in comparison to fossil-based plastic have been investigated. From all the results, PVA/GG based bioplastic proved to be a degradable, safe and effective alternative for fossil-based plastics in food packaging applications.

Guar gum/poly ethylene glycol/graphene oxide environmentally friendly hybrid hydrogels for controlled release of boron micronutrient

The present study was aimed at synthesis of polymeric hydrogels for controlled boron (B) release, as B deficiency is a major factor that decreases crops yield. Thus, graphene oxide incorporated guar gum and poly (ethylene glycol) hydrogels were prepared using the Solution Casting method for boron release. 3-Glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GLYMOL) was used as a cross-linker. Characterizations of hydrogels were carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis and Scanning Electron scope. The FTIR outcomes confirmed the existence of functional groups, bindings and development of hydrogel frameworks from incorporated components. The quantity of GLYMOL directly increased the thermal stability and water retention but decreased the swelling %. The maximum swelling for the hydrogel formulations was observed at pH 7. The addition of GLYMOL changed the diffusion from quasi-Fickcian to non-Fickcian diffusion. The maximum swelling quantities of 3822% and 3342% were exhibited by GPP (control) and GPP-8 in distilled water, respectively. Boron release was determined in distilled water and sandy soil by azomethine-H test using UV-Visible spectrophotometer while 85.11% and 73.65% boron was released from BGPP-16, respectively. In short, water retentive, water holding capacities, swelling performances, biodegradability and swelling/deswelling features would offer an ideal platform for boron release in sustained agricultural applications.

Exploring Potential of Gellan Gum for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Extensive laboratory and field tests have shown that the gelation response of gellan gum to saline water makes it a promising candidate for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The objective of this mini-review is to evaluate the applicability of gellan gum in EOR and compare its efficiency to other precursors, in particular, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM). At first, the "sol-gel" phase transitions of gellan gum in aqueous-salt solutions containing mono- and divalent cations are considered. Then the rheological and mechanical properties of gellan in diluted aqueous solutions and gel state are outlined. The main attention is paid to laboratory core flooding and field pilot tests. The plugging behavior of gellan in laboratory conditions due to "sol-gel" phase transition is discussed in the context of conformance control and water shut-off. Due to its higher strength, gellan gum gel provided ~6 times greater resistance to the flow of brine in a 1 mm-width fracture compared to HPAM gel. The field trials carried out in the injection and production wells of the Kumkol oilfield, situated in Kazakhstan, demonstrated that over 6 and 11 months, there was an incremental oil recovery of 3790 and 5890 tons, respectively. To put it into perspective, using 1 kg of dry gellan resulted in the incremental production of 3.52 m3 (or 22 bbls) of oil. The treatment of the production well with 1 wt.% gellan solution resulted in a considerable decrease in the water cut up to 10-20% without affecting the oil flow rate. The advantages and disadvantages of gellan compared to HPAM are analyzed together with the economic feasibility of gellan over HPAM. The potential for establishing gellan production in Kazakhstan is emphasized. It is anticipated that gellan gum, manufactured through fermentation using glucose-fructose syrup from Zharkent and Burunday corn starch plants, could be expanded in the future for applications in both the food industry and oil recovery.

Guar gum-based stimuli responsive hydrogels for sustained release of diclofenac sodium

In the current study, hydrogels for the controlled release of diclofenac sodium were synthesized from graphene oxide-reinforced guar gum and poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) using the Solution Casting Technique. Varying concentrations of 3-Glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GLYMO) were employed for the crosslinking of hydrogels. Further, the characterization of hydrogels was carried out using different techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscope. The FTIR investigations reveals particular functionalities and development of hydrogel interfaces. While thermal analysis prophesied that, improvement in forces among hydrogel components is directly proportional to the GLYMO concentration. In-vitro biodegradation test and cell viability assay against HEK-293 cell lines confirmed their biodegradable and biocompatible nature. GPG-32 demonstrated maximum antibacterial activity against P.aeruginosa and E.coli strains. The maximum swelling 2001 % and 1814 % in distilled water were recorded for GPG (control) and GPG-8 respectively that obeyed Fick's law. Hydrogels displayed high swelling responses at pH 6 in buffer and non-buffer solutions. In 2.5 h, 88.7 % diclofenac sodium was released which was determined by UV visible spectrophotometer. In conclusion, guar gum-based non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogels would be a model platform for targeting inflammation and pains. Furthermore, improved mechanical and viscoelastic behavior of hydrogels could also be explored for making drug loaded dressings for wound healing applications.

Sulfonamide Derivatives as Novel Surfactant/Alkaline Flooding Processes for Improving Oil Recovery

Over time, oil consumption has increased along with a continuous demand for petroleum products that require finding ways to increase hydrocarbon production more economically and effectively. So, enhanced oil recovery technologies are believed to be very promising and will serve as a key to meeting the future energy demand. This paper aims to introduce an innovative method to boost the EOR by using two novel types of surfactants synthesized from sulfonamide derivatives. Types I and II surfactants were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and their characterization was further performed using 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, the evaluation of these surfactants included interfacial tension measurements at concentrations up to 0.9 wt %. The combination of types I and II surfactants with alkaline (NaOH) was also investigated by the measurements of interfacial tension. A series of coreflood and sandpack tests under high-salinity conditions were carried out to assess the effects of a surfactant alone and alkaline-surfactant as a combination on improving oil recovery. The rock wettability was evaluated using relative permeability saturation curves, and the oil displacement efficiency was determined using fractional flow curves. The coreflood results demonstrated that alkaline-surfactant flooding with the chemical formula 0.2 wt % surfactant type II plus 0.5 wt % NaOH achieved a higher oil recovery of 74% OOIP compared to surfactant flooding with the chemical formula 0.5 wt % surfactant type II (64% OOIP) and waterflooding (saline solution with a 35,000 ppm salinity: 48% OOIP). Moreover, the experimental results showed that under both core and sandpack flood conditions, there was a noticeable reduction in oil-water interfacial tension, a change in rock wettability to more water-wet, and higher efficiency of oil displacement when alkaline was added to the surfactant. Based on current research, the alkaline-surfactant formulation is strongly recommended for chemical flooding because of its high efficacy and relatively low cost.

Natural Polymeric Nanobiocomposites for Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery Therapeutics: A Recent Update

Cancer is one of the most common lethal diseases and the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Effective cancer treatment is a global problem, and subsequent advancements in nanomedicine are useful as substitute management for anti-cancer agents. Nanotechnology, which is gaining popularity, enables fast-expanding delivery methods in science for curing diseases in a site-specific approach, utilizing natural bioactive substances because several studies have established that natural plant-based bioactive compounds can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Bioactive, in combination with nanotechnology, is an exceptionally alluring and recent development in the fight against cancer. Along with their nutritional advantages, natural bioactive chemicals may be used as chemotherapeutic medications to manage cancer. Alginate, starch, xanthan gum, pectin, guar gum, hyaluronic acid, gelatin, albumin, collagen, cellulose, chitosan, and other biopolymers have been employed successfully in the delivery of medicinal products to particular sites. Due to their biodegradability, natural polymeric nanobiocomposites have garnered much interest in developing novel anti-cancer drug delivery methods. There are several techniques to create biopolymer-based nanoparticle systems. However, these systems must be created in an affordable and environmentally sustainable way to be more readily available, selective, and less hazardous to increase treatment effectiveness. Thus, an extensive comprehension of the various facets and recent developments in natural polymeric nanobiocomposites utilized to deliver anti-cancer drugs is imperative. The present article provides an overview of the latest research and developments in natural polymeric nanobiocomposites, particularly emphasizing their applications in the controlled and targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs.

Electrical Tortuosity Index: A New Approach for Identifying Rock Typing to Enhance Reservoir Characterization Using Well-Log Data of Uncored Wells

The world is gradually moving toward a severe energy crisis, with an ever-increasing demand for energy overstepping its supply. Therefore, the energy crisis in the world has shed important light on the need for enhanced oil recovery to provide an affordable energy supply. Inaccurate reservoir characterization may lead to the failure of enhanced oil recovery projects. Thus, the accurate establishment of reservoir characterization techniques is required to successfully plan and execute the enhanced oil recovery projects. The main objective of this research is to obtain an accurate approach that can be used to estimate rock types, flow zone indicators, permeability, tortuosity, and irreducible water saturation for uncored wells based on electrical rock properties that were obtained from only logging tools. The new technique is obtained by modifying the Resistivity Zone Index (RZI) equation that was presented by Shahat et al. by taking the tortuosity factor into consideration. When true formation resistivity (R_t) and inverse porosity (1/Φ) are correlated on a log-log scale, unit slope parallel straight lines are produced, where each line represents a distinct electrical flow unit (EFU). Each line's intercept with the y-axis at 1/Φ = 1 yields a unique parameter specified as the Electrical Tortuosity Index (ETI). The proposed approach was validated successfully by testing it on log data from 21 logged wells and comparing it to the Amaefule technique, which was applied to 1135 core samples taken from the same reservoir. Electrical Tortuosity Index (ETI) values show marked accuracy for representing reservoir compared with Flow Zone Indicator (FZI) values obtained by the Amaefule technique and Resistivity Zone Index (RZI) values obtained by the Shahat et al. technique, with correlation coefficients of determination (R²) values equal to 0.98 and 0.99, respectively. Hence, by using the new technique, the Flow Zone Indicator, permeability, tortuosity, and irreducible water saturation were estimated and then compared with the obtained results from the core analysis, which showed a great match with the R²-values of 0.98, 0.96, 0.98, and 0.99, respectively.

Quinoxaline-probe embedded injectable fluorogenic hydrogels: Comparative detection of mesitylene in guar gum and i-carrageenan hydrogels

The innovation of novel chemosensor probes for the recognition of trace volatile organic compounds is critical due to their hazardous effect on the environment and human health. A nitro-group integrated quinoxaline probe with a profound discriminative fluorescence 'turn-on' response to mesitylene was fabricated into guar gum and i-carrageenan, two biopolymer-based hydrogel matrices, to develop compact, portable fluorogenic hydrogel sensors and assess their fluorescence properties. A comparative characterization-based analysis of native, probe-associated, and probe-analyte-associated hydrogels, (comprising of FT-IR, XRD, TGA) was investigated to ascertain the overall compatibility of the hydrogel-based sensors for use as a smart rapid detection tool. Dynamic rheological measurements also validated the mechanical stability and robustness of the developed hydrogel matrices. Fluorescence spectroscopic investigations yielded promising results of 0.15 ppm limit of detection (LOD) in guar gum and 0.29 ppm LOD in i-carrageenan hydrogels respectively. FESEM and Fluorescence microscopy studies represented the morphological variations of the hydrogel sensors on interaction with mesitylene. The practical feasibility of the chemosensor in hydrogel form for mesitylene detection in the vapor phase was also explored. Probe-embedded hydrogels with injectable property was shown, depicting its use as security ink for information encryption functions. This approach of incorporating chemosensors into biobased hydrogel networks has the potential to broaden its opportunities in the field of chemical, biomedical, and environmental sensing sectors.

Rheological Performance of High-Temperature-Resistant, Salt-Resistant Fracturing Fluid Gel Based on Organic-Zirconium-Crosslinked HPAM

Development of low-cost, high-temperature-resistant and salt-resistant fracturing fluids is a hot and difficult issue in reservoir fluids modification. In this study, an organic zirconium crosslinker that was synthesized and crosslinked with partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) was employed as a cost-effective polymer thickener to synthesize a high-temperature-resistant and salt-resistant fracturing fluid. The rheological properties of HPAM in tap water solutions and 2 × 10⁴ mg/L salt solutions were analyzed. The results demonstrated that addition of salt reduced viscosity and viscoelasticity of HPAM solutions. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results indicated that, due to electrostatic interaction, the carboxylate ions of HPAM formed an ionic bridge with metal cations, curling the conformation, decreasing the radius of rotation and thus decreasing viscosity. However, optimizing fracturing fluids formulation can mitigate the detrimental effects of salt on HPAM. The rheological characteristics of the HPAM fracturing fluid crosslinking process were analyzed and a crosslinking rheological kinetic equation was established under small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) test. The results of a large-amplitude oscillation shear (LAOS) test indicate that the heating effect on crosslinking is stronger than the shear effect on crosslinking. High-temperature-resistant and shear-resistant experiments demonstrated good performance of fracturing fluids of tap water and salt solution at 200 °C and 180 °C.

Optimization of biodegradable cross-linked guar-gum-PLA superabsorbent hydrogel formation employing response surface methodology

Cross-linked polymer networks with three-dimensional structures known as hydrogels absorb and retain a large amount of water. Because of their properties, hydrogel materials have been considered a boon in agriculture science. In the present investigation, guar gum cross-linked polylactic acid hydrogel is synthesized using MMA as monomer and optimized using a central composite design of response surface methodology for better swelling. The studied input variables are monomer concentration, initiator concentration, and cross-linker concentration at constant pH and temperature. The constructed response model has been tested using the analysis of variance (ANOVA), where the model F-value of 4.64 indicates that the model is significant. The R2 value (0.806) (multiple correlation coefficient) and the standard deviation for the quadratic model were both found to be 4.27. A separate validation experiment is conducted to ensure the quadratic model is sufficient. The hydrogel synthesis was confirmed by characterization techniques like FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, TGA, XRD, and water absorption studies. Synthesized hydrogels swell maximum in water and least in 0.9 % NaCl solution. The present work highlights the development of guar gum-based super-absorbent hydrogels, which are biodegradable and lead to potential application in agriculture, especially in drought regions.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Swelling Properties of a New Highly Absorbent Hydrogel Based on Carboxymethyl Guar Gum Reinforced with Bentonite and Silica Particles for Disposable Hygiene Products

Superabsorbent polymers derived from petroleum have been widely used as the primary component of high-water-absorption disposable sanitary products. However, environmental concerns as well as unstable market prices influence the quality of disposable hygiene products. The development of superabsorbent polymers from natural, non-petroleum-derived materials has become more predominant. In the present study, two borax-cross-linked carboxymethyl guar-based superabsorbents with bentonite (CMG-Bt) and fumed silica particle reinforcement (CMG-Bt-Si) were synthesized. The materials have been fully characterized by various techniques. The swelling behavior was studied through free swelling capacity (FSC) and centrifuge retention capacity (CRC). The swelling kinetics and urea absorption capacity were further analyzed. The effects of the cross-linking ratio, mineral clay, silica particles, and pH of the liquids on the swelling properties of the superabsorbents have been studied. The incorporation of silica particles demonstrated a positive effect on water uptake reaching 78.63 and 41.09 g/g of FSC and CRC, respectively, at an optimum pH of 6.8. The optimum swelling kinetics were attributed to CMG-Bt-Si of 5 wt % silica particle content, indicating a velocity parameter (ζ) of 41 s in saline solution. Finally, the highest swelling values were obtained at 10, 10, and 5 wt % for the cross-linking ratio, bentonite content, and silica particle content, respectively; in addition, the absorption of urea by the CMG-Bt-Si material was also confirmed.

Adsorption of the Xanthan Gum Polymer and Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate Surfactant in Sandstone Reservoirs: Experimental and Density Function Theory Studies

Chemical flooding using a polymer and/or surfactant has been widely applied in oilfields worldwide for enhanced oil recovery. Chemical adsorption in reservoirs has a significant effect on the rock permeability and wettability and hence can affect the overall oil production. In this work, two chemicals, namely, the xanthan gum (XG) biopolymer and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) anionic surfactant, were used individually as displacement fluids. The amount of chemical adsorption on the rock surface and the residual resistance factor (permeability reduction) were calculated throughout the flooding experiments using an unconsolidated sandstone (SS) pack model. The effects of the injected chemicals' concentration and reservoir salinity on adsorption capacity have been examined. Additionally, the effect of the addition of nanosilica particles (NSPs) to the injected fluid on the rock adsorption was also investigated. The results showed that the amount of XG and SDBS adsorption on the rock surface increased, albeit to a different extent, by increasing the chemical concentration at the applied salinities (0, 3.5, 5, and 10%) of the displacement fluids. Also, the permeability reduction increased with the increase in XG and SDBS concentrations; however, permeability reduction due to SDBS flooding was lower than that of XG in SS. The use of NSPs as a coinjectant to the XG and SDBS displacement fluids increased the adsorption on the SS rock. A plausible mechanism for the adsorption of the XG/NSP and SDBS/NSP blends on the SS surface was proposed. A density function theory calculation was employed to establish a relation between the adsorptivity of NSPs on SDBS and XG and the total energy and dipole moment of the molecules.

Effect of Sulfate-Based Scales on Calcite Mineral Surface Chemistry: Insights from Zeta-Potential Experiments and Their Implications on Wettability

Scale formation and deposition in the subsurface and surface facilities have been recognized as a major cause of flow assurance issues in the oil and gas industry. Sulfate-based scales such as sulfates of calcium (anhydrite and gypsum) and barium (barite) are some of the commonly encountered scales during hydrocarbon production operations. Oilfield scales are a well-known flow assurance problem, which occurs mainly due to the mixing of incompatible brines. Researchers have largely focused on the rocks' petrophysical property modifications (permeability and porosity damage) caused by scale precipitation and deposition. Little or no attention has been paid to their influence on the surface charge and wettability of calcite minerals. Thus, this study investigates the effect of anhydrite and barite scales' presence on the calcite mineral surface charge and their propensity to alter the wetting state of calcite minerals. This was achieved vis-à-vis zeta-potential (ζ-potential) measurement. Furthermore, two modes of the scale control (slug and continuous injections) using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were examined to determine the optimal control strategy as well as the optimal inhibitor dosage. Results showed that the presence of anhydrite and barite scales in a calcite reservoir affects the colloidal stability of the system, thus posing a threat of precipitation, which would result in permeability and porosity damage. Also, the calcite mineral surface charge is affected by the presence of calcium and barium sulfate scales; however, the magnitude of change in the surface charge via ζ-potential measurement is insignificant to cause wettability alteration by the mineral scales. Slug and continuous injections of EDTA were implemented, with the optimal scale control strategy being the continuous injection of EDTA solutions. The optimal dosage of EDTA for anhydrite scale control is 5 and 1 wt % for the formation water and seawater environments, respectively. In the case of barite, in both environments, an EDTA dosage of 1 wt % suffices. Findings from this study not only further the understanding of the scale effects on calcite mineral systems but also provide critical insights into the potential of scale formation and their mechanisms of interactions for better injection planning and the development of a scale control strategy.

Recent Advances in Functional Polymer Materials for Energy, Water, and Biomedical Applications: A Review

Academic research regarding polymeric materials has been of great interest. Likewise, polymer industries are considered as the most familiar petrochemical industries. Despite the valuable and continuous advancements in various polymeric material technologies over the last century, many varieties and advances related to the field of polymer science and engineering still promise a great potential for exciting new applications. Research, development, and industrial support have been the key factors behind the great progress in the field of polymer applications. This work provides insight into the recent energy applications of polymers, including energy storage and production. The study of polymeric materials in the field of enhanced oil recovery and water treatment technologies will be presented and evaluated. In addition, in this review, we wish to emphasize the great importance of various functional polymers as effective adsorbents of organic pollutants from industrial wastewater. Furthermore, recent advances in biomedical applications are reviewed and discussed.

Prediction of the Rheological Properties of Invert Emulsion Mud Using an Artificial Neural Network

Successful drilling operations require optimum well planning to overcome the challenges associated with geological and environmental constraints. One of the main well design programs is the mud program, which plays a crucial role in each drilling operation. Researchers focus on modeling the rheological properties of the drilling fluid seeking for accurate and real-time predictions that confirm its crucial potential as a research point. However, only substantial studies have real impact on the literature. Several AI-based models have been proposed for estimating mud rheological properties. However, most of them suffer from non-being field applicable attractive due to using non-readily field parameters as input variables. Some other studies have not provided a comprehensive description of the model to replicate or reproduce results using other datasets. In this study, two novel robust artificial neural network (ANN) models for estimating invert emulsion mud plastic viscosity and yield point have been developed using actual field data based on 407 datasets. These datasets include mud plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP), mud temperature (T), marsh funnel viscosity (MF), and solid content. The mathematical base of each model has been provided to provide a clear means for models' replicability. Results of the evaluation criteria depicted the outstanding performance and consistency of the proposed models over extant ANN models and empirical correlations. Statistical evaluation revealed that the plastic viscosity ANN model has a coefficient of determination (R ²) of 98.82%, a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.37, an average relative error (ARE) of 0.12, and an absolute average relative error of 2.69, while for yield point, this model has a coefficient of determination (R ²) of 94%, a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.76, an average relative error (ARE) of -0.67, and an absolute average relative error of 3.18.