Application of Nanoparticles in Stimulation: A Review

Oil well stimulation treatments have been employedto improve the productivity index, either by imposing a negativeskin effect through hydraulic fracturing or by reducing a positiveskin effect using matrix acidizing. The commonly used stimulationfluids are polymer-based, viscoelastic surfactant-based, emulsion(oil)-based, and foam-based. The stability and performanceefficiency of the stimulationfluids under harsh conditions of hightemperature and high pressures have remained a critical factor.Thus, in recent times, the incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) asadditives in thefluid formulation has received significant attention.NPs have been reported as rheology modifiers, cross-linking agents,gel breakers, leakoffcontrol additives, foam stabilizers, proppantsurface modifiers, and emulsion stabilizers in different types of stimulationfluids. In this review, we discuss the application ofnanoparticles in different types of stimulationfluids. The different roles of nanoparticles are highlighted. Factors affecting theperformance of nanoparticles in stimulationfluids are also covered. Although laboratory experiments have shown the exceptionalperformance of nanoparticles, thefield application of different nanoparticles in stimulationfluids is still limited.