Chapter “A Model for Electro-osmotic Flow of Pseudoplastic Nanofluids in
Presence of Peristaltic Pumping: An Application to Smart Pumping in Energy
Systems” reveals the formulation of the model that can be useful in the experimental designs of smart nano-electro-peristaltic pumps; in addition, it can also be
extended to nanotechnological applications, smart drug delivery systems, and
various transport phenomena of environmental systems. The model presented in
this chapter assumes that the movement of the fluids can be controlled by electroosmotic force generated as a result of an external electric field. A pseudoplastic
fluid model is assumed as appropriate to compute the non-Newtonian effects.
Nonlinear formulation present in the model is simplified with the help of lubrication
theory and Hückel–Debye approximations. Modeled governing equations are
solved to determine the flow, temperature, and electric potential fields. The flow
behavior and thermal characteristics are simulated as a function of physical
parameters.
Chapter “Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Energy Generation and Storage
Applications” highlights the detail of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel
cell. It is a device in which an electrochemical reaction occurs between fuel and
oxidant producing electricity, and water is the only by-product with zero emission.
Different supported catalysts have been proposed to improve electrochemical stability of nanoparticles in PEM fuel cells and supercapacitor. Usually, Pt nanoparticles prepared on carbon support used for oxidation and reduction reaction in PEM
fuel cells. The encapsulation of carbon with polyaniline (PANI)-supported Pt
enhances the electrode stability in fuel cells by enhancing the active surface area
(EASA), chemical resistance, and electron conductivity.
Chapter “Interaction of Heavy Crude Oil and Nanoparticles for Heavy Oil
Upgrading” discusses the role of nanomaterials in the development of heavy oil
recovery. Different types of mechanisms which explain the effects of nanoparticles
and their interaction with oil and its constituents are highlighted. The effects coupled with the use of various thermal treatment schemes have been explained. Scope
of applicability in the field of flow assurance has been discussed. The use of
nanoparticles in improving the existing EOR applications and devising new ways to
achieve production of heavy fractions has been highlighted.
Chapter “Application of Nanoparticles-Based Technologies in the Oil and Gas
Industry” addresses the role of nanotechnology in different jobs played in the oil
and gas industry such as exploration industry, drilling and production, refining, and
processing and in enhanced oil recovery. Besides different types of nanoparticles,
nanoemulsions, nanosensors, and nanofluids available for these applications have
been discussed. Moreover, the mechanisms which reflect the activity of these
nanomaterials have been explained individually. The chapter discusses how
nanotechnology-based technologies can achieve more efficient, effective, and
potential impact in the oil and gas industry.
Chapter “Effect of Nanoparticles on the Performance of Drilling Fluids” elaborates the application of various types of nanoparticles/nanocomposites to enhance
the rheological and filtration properties of the drilling mud. Due to the extinction of
conventional reservoirs, it is imperative for engineers to find the unconventional oil
Preface
vii
Presence of Peristaltic Pumping: An Application to Smart Pumping in Energy
Systems” reveals the formulation of the model that can be useful in the experimental designs of smart nano-electro-peristaltic pumps; in addition, it can also be
extended to nanotechnological applications, smart drug delivery systems, and
various transport phenomena of environmental systems. The model presented in
this chapter assumes that the movement of the fluids can be controlled by electroosmotic force generated as a result of an external electric field. A pseudoplastic
fluid model is assumed as appropriate to compute the non-Newtonian effects.
Nonlinear formulation present in the model is simplified with the help of lubrication
theory and Hückel–Debye approximations. Modeled governing equations are
solved to determine the flow, temperature, and electric potential fields. The flow
behavior and thermal characteristics are simulated as a function of physical
parameters.
Chapter “Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Energy Generation and Storage
Applications” highlights the detail of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel
cell. It is a device in which an electrochemical reaction occurs between fuel and
oxidant producing electricity, and water is the only by-product with zero emission.
Different supported catalysts have been proposed to improve electrochemical stability of nanoparticles in PEM fuel cells and supercapacitor. Usually, Pt nanoparticles prepared on carbon support used for oxidation and reduction reaction in PEM
fuel cells. The encapsulation of carbon with polyaniline (PANI)-supported Pt
enhances the electrode stability in fuel cells by enhancing the active surface area
(EASA), chemical resistance, and electron conductivity.
Chapter “Interaction of Heavy Crude Oil and Nanoparticles for Heavy Oil
Upgrading” discusses the role of nanomaterials in the development of heavy oil
recovery. Different types of mechanisms which explain the effects of nanoparticles
and their interaction with oil and its constituents are highlighted. The effects coupled with the use of various thermal treatment schemes have been explained. Scope
of applicability in the field of flow assurance has been discussed. The use of
nanoparticles in improving the existing EOR applications and devising new ways to
achieve production of heavy fractions has been highlighted.
Chapter “Application of Nanoparticles-Based Technologies in the Oil and Gas
Industry” addresses the role of nanotechnology in different jobs played in the oil
and gas industry such as exploration industry, drilling and production, refining, and
processing and in enhanced oil recovery. Besides different types of nanoparticles,
nanoemulsions, nanosensors, and nanofluids available for these applications have
been discussed. Moreover, the mechanisms which reflect the activity of these
nanomaterials have been explained individually. The chapter discusses how
nanotechnology-based technologies can achieve more efficient, effective, and
potential impact in the oil and gas industry.
Chapter “Effect of Nanoparticles on the Performance of Drilling Fluids” elaborates the application of various types of nanoparticles/nanocomposites to enhance
the rheological and filtration properties of the drilling mud. Due to the extinction of
conventional reservoirs, it is imperative for engineers to find the unconventional oil
Preface
vii