Research Article Open Access

Current and Future Nanotech Applications in the Oil Industry

Cocuzza Matteo1, Pirri Candido1, Rocca Vera2 and Verga Francesca2
  • 1 Department of Materials, Science and Chemical Engineering, Italy
  • 2 Department of DIATI, Petroleum Engineering Group, Engineering Faculty, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

Abstract

Problem statement: Nanotech applications in the oil industry are not completely new: nanoparticles have been successfully used in drilling muds for the past 50 years. Only recently all the other key areas of the oil industry, such as exploration, primary and assisted production, monitoring, refining and distribution, are approaching nanotechnologies as the potential Philosopher's stone for facing critical issues related to remote locations (such as ultra-deep water and artic environments), harsh conditions (high-temperature and high-pressure formations), non-conventional reservoirs (heavy oils, tight gas, tar sands). The general aim is to bridge the gap between the oil industry and nanotechnology community using various initiatives such as consortia between oil and service companies and nanotechnology excellence centres, networking communities, workshops and conferences and even dedicated research units inside some oil companies. Quite surprisingly, even if a lot of discussion is taking place, no substantial research on these topics is currently being undertaken around the world by the petroleum industry. A very different attitude is demonstrated by other industries and the advances they achieved are outstanding. Approach: This study provides an overview of the most interesting nanotechnology applications and critically highlights the potential benefits that could come from transposing the same-or adapted-solutions to the oil industry. Results/Conclusion: As extensively illustrated, some technologies which are already available off-the-shelf can offer real improvements in dealing with some specific issues of the oil industry. Other technologies can require further elaboration before direct use, but their potential is enormous.

American Journal of Applied Sciences
Volume 9 No. 6, 2012, 784-793

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2012.784.793

Submitted On: 11 January 2012 Published On: 13 March 2012

How to Cite: Matteo, C., Candido, P., Vera, R. & Francesca, V. (2012). Current and Future Nanotech Applications in the Oil Industry. American Journal of Applied Sciences, 9(6), 784-793. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2012.784.793

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Keywords

  • Department of Energy (DOE)
  • Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Advanced Energy Consortium (AEC)
  • Single-Walled-Carbon-Nano Tubes (SWNT)