Articles

Experimental Assessment of Guar Gum and Silicon Oxide Nanoparticle Hybrid for Enhanced Oil Recovery

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This study investigated the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) potential of hybrid formulations comprising guar gum polymer and silicon oxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles. The research aimed to address the limitations of using only polymer (Guar gum) as EOR agent, by exploring the synergistic effects of guar gum and SiO₂ nanoparticles in improving oil recovery efficiency.  The study involved core flooding experiments using Niger-Delta sandstone samples with different concentrations of guar gum and SiO₂ nanoparticles in both low-salinity (30,000 ppm) and relatively high-salinity (60,000 ppm). The results showed that the guar gum-SiO₂ nanocomposite formulations significantly outperformed the individual components in terms of oil recovery. The rheological analysis indicated that the inclusion of SiO₂ nanoparticles improved the viscosity and viscoelastic properties of the hybrid fluids, enhancing their mobility control capabilities.  Core flooding experiments demonstrated that the guar gum-SiO₂ nanocomposite formulations significantly outperformed the individual components, with the cumulative oil recovery rates reaching up to 83% in the low salinity condition of 30,000ppm and due to increase in salinity of 60,000ppm reduced recovery percentage of 79%. The study revealed that hybrid nanocomposites effectively mitigated permeability damage, a prevalent challenge associated with the use of polymers as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) agents. The incorporation of SiO₂ nanoparticles played a crucial role in preserving permeability by preventing the plugging of pore spaces, thereby enabling improved fluid flow and oil displacement.

The Expanding Scope of Emulgels: Formulation, Evaluation and Medical Uses

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Emulgels are semi-solid emulsions that combine the benefits of both emulsions and gels. They provide enhanced stability, sustained release and improved cosmetic properties. Emulgels can be fabricated using a variety of emulsification techniques and gelling agents like carbopol, hydroxypropyl cellulose. Characterization of emulgels includes evaluation of particle size, viscosity, pH, spreadability and drug release. Emulgels have promising applications in topical delivery of drugs and cosmetics, parenteral delivery of drugs and as emulsion-based oral drug delivery systems. Topical emulgels are used in skin care, hair care and cosmetics to provide moisturization, hydration, etc. Parenteral emulgels can deliver drugs in a sustained manner. Oral emulgels improve the absorption of some drugs. Several advantages of emulgels include sustained and controlled release of actives, improved solubility of both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, protection from degradation, and enhanced cosmetic elegance. However, emulgel formulation requires specialized emulsification equipment, and they have lower drug loading capacity compared to other semi-solid systems. Emulgels combine the benefits of emulsions and gels, providing a versatile drug and cosmetic delivery platform with unique advantages. Improvements in emulsification techniques, identifying newer gelling agents and permeation enhancers can further enhance the potential of emulgel systems. With growing research on emulgels, these systems are poised to make a significant impact on topical, parenteral and oral delivery in the coming years. Emulgels thus present an exciting prospect for developing innovative and improved formulations.