Ronald J. Powell

A new route to carbon black filled polyHIPEs

A series of carbon black filled polyHIPEs was synthesised following a new preparation protocol. 1 wt% carbon black was dispersed in the monomer mixture. In order to enhance the stability of the suspension, polymer grafting of carbon black was performed by initiating the polymerisation prior to emulsifying the formulation. All of the carbon black filled polymer foams synthesised the new preparation protocol have the characteristics usually observed for polyHIPEs. Carbon black particles are incorporated into the pore walls without affecting the pore structure of the polyHIPEs. The new preparation protocol positively influenced the properties of the resulting polyHIPEs namely the pore interconnectivity is increased and a water permeability of up to 2.3 D is achieved.

Metabolic and genetic perturbations accompany the modification of galactomannan in seeds of Medicago truncatula expressing mannan synthase from guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)

Galactomannan gums are widely used in the food and oil industries, and there is considerable interest in applying biotechnological approaches to improve their physical properties. A mannan synthase from guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) was expressed under the control of a bean beta-phaseolin promoter in transgenic Medicago truncatula. Although the expression of exogenous mannan synthase caused a slight decrease in galactomannan levels in Medicago, the molecular weight and viscosity of the polymer were significantly increased, although the mannose to galactose ratio and degree of polydispersity remained unchanged. At the same time, expression of about 2.8% of the genes was altered significantly in the seeds of transgenic Medicago lines analysed by Affymetrix genome chip, with a particularly striking induction of putative trehalose phosphate synthase genes. Mannan synthase expression also caused large alterations in the levels of a number of sugars and sugar alcohols, suggesting that over-expression of a processive glycosyltransferase perturbs the mechanisms of sugar sensing and/or homeostasis, possibly involving signalling via trehalose-6-phosphate.

Controlled-release scale inhibitor for use in fracturing treatments

This paper describes results of laboratory and field testing of a solid, controlled-release scale inhibitor for use in fracturing treatments. Laboratory testing with a continuous flow apparatus has yielded inhibitor release rates under dynamic conditions. The inhibitor was tested to determine the minimum inhibitor concentration required to inhibit the formation of CaCO{sub 3}, CaSO{sub 4}, and BaSO{sub 4} scales in a brine. A model to predict the long-term release rate of the inhibitor was developed from data collected on the continuous flow apparatus. Data from treated wells will be compared with predictions of the model. Inhibitor release-rate testing in a continuous-flow apparatus shows that a solid, calcium-magnesium polyphosphate inhibitor has a sustained release profile. Release-rate testing shows that the inhibitor can be used up to 175 F. The inhibitor is compatible with both borate and zirconium crosslinked fracturing fluids and foamed fluids. The effective lifetime of the scale treatment can be predicted based on a model developed from laboratory data. The input variables required for the prediction include: temperature, water production, amount of inhibitor, minimum effective concentration of inhibitor for the specific brine. The model can be used to aid in the design of the scale inhibitor treatment.

Encapsulated Scale Inhibitor for Use in Fracturing Treatments

This paper describes the development and testing of a solid, encapsulated scale inhibitor for use in fracturing treatments. Data from laboratory and field tests are reported. Laboratory testing with a continuous flow apparatus has yielded inhibitor release rates under dynamic conditions. The inhibitor was tested to determine the minimum inhibitor concentration required to inhibit the formation of CaCO 3 , CaSO 4 , and BaSO 4 scales in brine. Laboratory data were used to determine the parameters of a mathematical model to predict the long-term release rate of the inhibitor. Data from a treated well are compared with predictions of the model. Release-rate testing in a continuous-flow apparatus shows that an encapsulated solid derivative of a phosphonate inhibitor has a sustained release profile. Temperature (100° to 225°F) and brine strength have a small effect on the release-rate profile. Coating the solid derivative makes it compatible with metal-crosslinked fracturing fluids. The coating has a short-term effect on the release-rate profile. The composition of the solid derivative has the greatest effect on its long-term release-rate profile. A comparison between the mathematical model proposed to describe the long-term release rate of the inhibitor and actual data collected from a treated well shows a large discrepancy, likely because most of the inhibitor is not in contact with the water being produced from this well.