nFluids: Delivering customized, economical, and ecologically benign nanoparticles to address a variety of industrial problems

Particle interactions are governed by chemical and molecular rules rather than physical forces at the nanoscale, which is generally defined as the size range between 1 and 100 nanometers (nm). Working at the nanoscale allows them to take advantage of the special mechanical, optical, chemical, and physical features of materials that do not normally exist at the macroscopic scale. Nanotechnology is not just about working at ever-smaller dimensions.

Materials at the extreme end of the scale, between 1 and 100 nm, are the subject of nanotechnology. At the nanoscale, the number of atoms on the outside of a particle that can interact with other species is greater than the number of atoms inside the bulk of the particle; this difference is known as the Specific Surface Area (SSA). As a result, nanomaterials have special mechanical, chemical, optical, and physical properties that do not exist in nature at the macroscale. Using their nCore^™ platform technology, large-scale industrial production of nanoparticles as small as 3 nm is possible.

nFluids uses a bottom-up design process to create nanoparticles, giving them complete control over the final product's size, shape, concentration, and usefulness. Using their many years of combined expertise in material science and chemistry, nFluids aims to offer customized, affordable, and eco-friendly nanoparticles to address a variety of industrial problems.

Delivering premium performance through their products

The three major products offered are mentioned below:

nForcer^™

nForcer^™ was created from the ground up to deliver exceptional performance in all kinds of drilling fluids using patented nanochemistry. In horizontal and extended-reach wells, nForcer^™ effectively reduces fluid loss, strengthens the wellbore, and provides lubrication at low concentrations while having no effect on the fundamental mud qualities.

All mud types (OBM, SBM, and WBM) can be used with the high-performing, multipurpose addition nForcer^™, which provides excellent fluid loss reduction, wellbore strengthening, and lubrication in deviated and horizontal wells.

Their first commercial product, nForcer^™, is built on a 5 nm version of nCore^™ technology. A highly concentrated liquid suspension of stabilized nanoparticles in a carrier fluid, nForcer™ is compatible with all varieties of drilling fluids, including mineral, synthetic, diesel, and water-based ones. Both onshore and offshore wells have seen the successful application of nForcer™.

nLube^™

A nano-lubricant called nLube^™ was created expressly to address frequent torque- and drag-related issues that arise during horizontal and extended-reach drilling in hot reservoirs. It offers efficient lubrication for all varieties of drilling fluids with a water or brine base. An increase in average ROP of up to 30% is shown by field usage.

In the North Dakota Bakken formation, nLube^™ has treated over 120 wells. Results have shown 15% gains in ROP, 30% reductions in lubricant usage, and up to 20% faster drilling of laterals, all of which have decreased NPT.

Two years of intensive product development, both in the lab and in the field, resulted in nLube^™. It consistently performs better than rivals in a range of tribology tests and doesn't produce the foaming or "cheesing" that is frequently observed with other products. nLube^™ can withstand temperatures as high as 150 °C (300 °F) and extreme salinity. It is also completely biocompatible and biodegradable.

nCore^™

A patented chemical technique called nCore^™ is used to produce a range of reasonably priced nanoparticles on a large scale that are suited to particular applications. Their technology enables them to license the process to their clients because it uses commodity chemicals and can be installed at almost any toll-blending facility.

A core-shell platform technology called nCore^™ enables the entire industrial production of nanoparticles as small as 5 nm. The three layers of nCore^™ nanoparticles are an inorganic core, a layer of surfactant, and a liquid hydrocarbon shell. They can fine-tune the specific characteristics of the liquid shell, stabilizing layer, and core using a bottom-up, low-energy chemical process, giving their customers superior performance at mid-tier costs.

Fluids has effectively modified the nCore^™ manufacturing process to work with a range of mixing process equipment and starting precursors. Full scalability and flexibility are their technology's greatest benefits since they enable them to quickly implement their process in local markets and provide their clients with top quality at a competitive price.

Industries nFluids caters to

Drilling for oil and gas is the main focus of current commercial uses. But due to the intrinsic qualities of nanomaterials and the adaptability of their production process, they are seeking collaborations to investigate the technology's potential in the additional oil and gas applications listed below.

• Cementing: Improved mechanical qualities, reduced porosity, and permeability — all essential components of greater durability — are obtained by adding nanoparticles to cement slurry.
• Foam stability: By lowering coalescence and minimizing drainage, nanoparticles can be used to improve foam bubble stability.
• Sour gas scavenging: Safety remains the top priority despite an increase in oil and gas activities. Functionalized nanoparticles have the ability to interact with molecules of sour gas to produce a precipitate that can be extracted from the solution.
• Enhanced oil recovery: Through a number of methods, such as alterations to reservoir permeability, an increase in mobility ratio, or a decrease in interfacial tension, nanotechnology enhances EOR processes.

Using technology to solve related challenges

Jeff Forsyth is the Chief Executive Officer of nFluids.

“Drawing from our decades of experience in chemistry and material science, nFluids’ goal is to provide bespoke, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly nanoparticles.”