Design and evaluation of a nanofluid containing magnetite and graphene oxide nanocomposites to prevent asphaltenes precipitation in porous media

The precipitation and destabilization of asphaltenes in mature oil fields pose significant challenges to the oil industry, leading to damage on the producing formation and the potential blockage of production facilities. Conventional removal and inhibition methods have proven to be costly and temporary, with no guarantee of preventing new asphaltene deposits. In this study, our focus is on the design and evaluation of a stable nanofluid composed of Fe3O4 (Magnetite) and GO (Graphene Oxide) nanocomposites as an effective asphaltene stabilization agent in Colombian crude oil. By functionalizing magnetite nanoparticles with graphene oxide, we achieved a significant improvement in their stability. Various surfactants were tested to enhance the nanoparticle stability, followed by viscosity modification using commercial additives to attain the desired stability. The stability of the nanofluid was thoroughly evaluated through Oliensis, SARA, flocculation, rheology, and physicochemical analyses. Additionally, fluidfluidand fluid-rock interaction tests were conducted underreservoir conditions. The results demonstrated an impressive 48% reduction in asphaltene-induced damage and a positive change in wettability, leading to a remarkable 38% increase in the recovery factor observed in core analyses. This study provides a promising approach to mitigate asphaltene-related challenges in mature oil fields, ensuring formation integrity and enhancing production efficiency.