Abstract: A system and methods for in situ characterization of nanobubbles in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) are provided. In an exemplary system, a cell includes a metal case including a rectangular shape, wherein the rectangular shape includes five sides and an opening in place of a sixth (top) side, a flow inlet, and a flow outlet. The nanofluidic cell includes a calcite patterned silicon substrate mounted in the metal case, wherein a calcite patterned surface is disposed towards the opening. A transparent lid is mounted over the opening, wherein the transparent lid is in direct contact with calcite structures on the calcite patterned silicon substrate.

Abstract: Drilling fluids, methods, and systems for drilling a subterranean formation. Drilling fluids include an aqueous base fluid and a shale inhibitor comprising cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. Methods include providing the drilling fluid and drilling at least a portion of a wellbore into a subterranean formation in the presence of the drilling fluid. Systems include a drill string extendable into the wellbore from a drilling platform and conveying the drilling fluid to a drill bit arranged at a distal end of the drill string. The subterranean formation may be a shale subterranean formation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing a nanofluidic LCTEM cell are provided. An exemplary method includes coating a photoresist layer onto a top surface of a silicon nitride substrate; etching channels into the photoresist layer; depositing calcite into the etched channels; removing the photoresist; placing the cell on a holder; connecting a first end of an inlet line to the cell; connecting a second end of the inlet line to an ultrasound transducer configured to generate nanobubbles; and connecting an outlet line to the cell.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sequestering carbon dioxide and growing algae can include: producing fluids from a subsurface formation; separating the fluids into hydrocarbons and produced water; transferring the produced water to a treatment pond; transferring the hydrocarbons to a gas fractionation plant; separating the hydrocarbons resulting in a carbon dioxide side stream; and discharging the carbon dioxide side stream into the treatment pond.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing a nanofluidic LCTEM cell are provided. An exemplary method includes coating a photoresist layer onto a top surface of a silicon nitride substrate; etching channels into the photoresist layer; depositing calcite into the etched channels; removing the photoresist; placing the cell on a holder; connecting a first end of an inlet line to the cell; connecting a second end of the inlet line to an ultrasound transducer configured to generate nanobubbles; and connecting an outlet line to the cell.