Towards an optimum combination of polymer and nanoparticles for friction reduction in oil field operation

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Friction reducers (FRs) are used for reducing friction in the wellbore during stimulation and drilling for oil and natural gas resources. Seven Generations Energy spends millions of dollars every year on FRs used in their operations. The development of efficient FRs represents a significant technical and operations improvement opportunity for Seven Generations - efficient FRs help reduce water and energy consumption during drilling and fracking operations. The key objectives of this project are to install and operationalize a flow loop for friction measurements, analyze different slickwater samples with different FRs, investigate the role of nanoparticle-grafted FRs in improving wellbore processes, and optimize a low temperature hydrothermal process for grafting nanoparticles on FR polymers for improving drilling and stimulation processes. The results from this project will also help transform the fracking industry by providing a practical, environmentally friendly, cost-effective and highly efficient approach to reducing water and energy consumption in fracking. The research program will enhance the understanding of friction reduction in unconventional resource production and develop a new class of nanoparticle based FRs to bring operational, cost and environmental efficiencies in fracking operations. Additionally, the HQPs will gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience pertaining to the synthesis and application of polymer-grafted nanoparticles in friction reduction as well as training in computational modeling, the use of specialized analytical instruments and characterization techniques. The research program shall develop insights, new technologies and HQPs. It will also create opportunities for the oil industry to transform knowledge into more environmentally sound processes with noticeably improved economic impact.