Enhanced subsurface sensing with nanoparticles as contrast agents for oil industry

In recent years, the applications of nanotechnology have been extensively researched in many key areas of oil industry, such as exploration, drilling and production. Nanomaterials can be developed as excellent imaging-contrast agents in their magnetic and electric properties. They are able to flush with the injection fluids through the reservoir micro-size pores. Tracing these contrast agents with electromagnetic tomography technology can potentially help tracking the flood-front in waterflood, monitoring enhanced oil recovery process and field characterization.