Use of modified nanoparticles in oil and gas reservoir management

We describe a water dispersed nano sensor cocktail based on InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and atomic silver clusters with a bright and visible luminescence combined with optimized sensor functionalities for the water flooding process. The QDs and Ag nano sensors were tested in simulated reservoir conditions (high salinity, Ca2+, pH, high temperature, oil and solids). The nano sensors showed enhanced sensor functionalities towards pH, temperature, sub-terrain chemistry and reservoir solids like clay or calcium carbonate. Copyright 2012, Society of Petroleum Engineers