Research Progress on Displacement Mechanism of Supercritical CO2 in Low-Permeability Heavy Oil Reservoir and Improvement Mechanism of Displacement Agents.

With the continuous growth of global energy demand and the late stage of conventional oilfield exploitation, the demand for developing and utilizing low-permeability heavy oil reservoirs is becoming increasingly urgent. However, the exploitation of low-permeability heavy oil reservoirs faces many challenges due to their high viscosity, low permeability, and complex geological conditions. To overcome these challenges, researchers have gradually introduced SC-CO2 as an oil displacement agent in the exploitation of heavy oil reservoirs. However, the oil displacement mechanism of SC-CO2 in low-permeability heavy oil reservoirs and its improvement mechanism are still not completely understood. The article provides a detailed study and understanding of the oil displacement mechanism of SC-CO2, which involves the expansion of heavy oil volume through SC-CO2 dissolution. This mechanism reduces the capillary resistance and flow resistance during the oil flow process. The permeation of CO2 disrupts the internal structure and arrangement of heavy oil, reducing its viscosity. CO2 extracts both light and heavy components from the heavy oil, reducing the residual oil saturation. In addition, the mechanism of improving the effect of oil displacement agents such as nanoparticles, polymers, and surfactants on SC-CO2 displacement was also explored. By further exploring the mechanisms and improvement mechanisms of SC-CO2 displacement for heavy oil, it can guide the selection and optimization of oil displacement agents. Furthermore, understanding the mechanism can also provide a theoretical basis for engineering practice and technical innovation. While the research on CO2 flooding is analyzed and evaluated, the obstacles and challenges that still exist at this stage are indicated, and future research work on CO2 in low-permeability heavy oil reservoirs is proposed.

Mechanism and Performance Analysis of Nanoparticle-Polymer Fluid for Enhanced Oil Recovery: A Review.

With the increasing energy demand, oil is still an important fuel source worldwide. The chemical flooding process is used in petroleum engineering to increase the recovery of residual oil. As a promising enhanced oil-recovery technology, polymer flooding still faces some challenges in achieving this goal. The stability of a polymer solution is easily affected by the harsh reservoir conditions of high temperature and high salt, and the influence of the external environment such as high salinity, high valence cations, pH value, temperature and its own structure is highlighted. This article also involves the introduction of commonly used nanoparticles, whose unique properties are used to improve the performance of polymers under harsh conditions. The mechanism of nanoparticle improvement on polymer properties is discussed, that is, how the interaction between them improves the viscosity, shear stability, heat-resistance and salt-tolerant performance of the polymer. Nanoparticle-polymer fluids exhibit properties that they cannot exhibit by themselves. The positive effects of nanoparticle-polymer fluids on reducing interfacial tension and improving the wettability of reservoir rock in tertiary oil recovery are introduced, and the stability of nanoparticle-polymer fluid is described. While analyzing and evaluating the research on nanoparticle-polymer fluid, indicating the obstacles and challenges that still exist at this stage, future research work on nanoparticle-polymer fluid is proposed.

The effects of locomotion on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell fate: insight into mechanical regulation and bone formation.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) refer to a heterogeneous population of cells with the capacity for self-renewal. BMSCs have multi-directional differentiation potential and can differentiate into chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes under specific microenvironment or mechanical regulation. The activities of BMSCs are closely related to bone quality. Previous studies have shown that BMSCs and their lineage-differentiated progeny (for example, osteoblasts), and osteocytes are mechanosensitive in bone. Thus, a goal of this review is to discuss how these ubiquious signals arising from mechanical stimulation are perceived by BMSCs and then how the cells respond to them. Studies in recent years reported a significant effect of locomotion on the migration, proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs, thus, contributing to our bone mass. This regulation is realized by the various intersecting signaling pathways including RhoA/Rock, IFG, BMP and Wnt signalling. The mechanoresponse of BMSCs also provides guidance for maintaining bone health by taking appropriate exercises. This review will summarize the regulatory effects of locomotion/mechanical loading on BMSCs activities. Besides, a number of signalling pathways govern MSC fate towards osteogenic or adipocytic differentiation will be discussed. The understanding of mechanoresponse of BMSCs makes the foundation for translational medicine.