Some of the most promising potential applications of nanotechnology to hydraulic fracturing of coal seam gas (CSG) are reviewed with a focus on Australian CSG wells. Three propitious applications were identified: (1) Nanoparticle enhanced viscoelastic surfactants (VES) fracturing fluids to prevent fluid loss by up to 30%, made possible by the formation of pseudo-filter cakes and reducing the viscosity of the VES fluids. Besides, there is no requirement of clay control additives or biocides. (2) Nano-proppants to extend fracture networks and reduce proppant embedment by introducing them prior to the emplacement of larger proppants. Fly Ash nanoparticles can be particularly effective because of their high sphericity and mechanical strength. (3) Nanoparticle-coated proppants, to mitigate the migration of particle fines by restricting them close to their source by adsorption, with MgO being the most effective. The use of nanotechnology in hydraulic fracturing applications is currently hindered due to a discordant regulatory environment compounded by the cost of the nanoparticles themselves, as well as, a lack of field data to validate the technology under real downhole conditions. Although the necessary field tests are unlikely to be conducted for as long as abundant natural gas is available, exploratory studies could pave the way for future applications.

Graphical abstract

中文翻译：

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煤层气藏水力压裂纳米技术的进展：在澳大利亚的潜在应用和一些限制

对纳米技术在煤层气 (CSG) 水力压裂中的一些最有前景的潜在应用进行了回顾，重点关注澳大利亚的 CSG 井。确定了三个有利的应用：(1) 纳米颗粒增强粘弹性表面活性剂 (VES) 压裂液可防止高达 30% 的流体损失，这可以通过形成假滤饼和降低 VES 流体的粘度来实现。此外，不需要粘土控制添加剂或杀菌剂。(2) 通过在较大支撑剂就位之前引入纳米支撑剂来扩展裂缝网络并减少支撑剂嵌入。粉煤灰纳米颗粒因其高球形度和机械强度而特别有效。(3) 纳米颗粒包覆支撑剂，通过吸附将它们限制在靠近其来源的地方，以减轻颗粒细粉的迁移，其中 MgO 是最有效的。纳米技术在水力压裂应用中的使用目前受到阻碍，原因是监管环境不协调，加上纳米粒子本身的成本，以及缺乏在真实井下条件下验证该技术的现场数据。尽管只要有丰富的天然气，就不可能进行必要的现场测试，但探索性研究可以为未来的应用铺平道路。缺乏在真实井下条件下验证该技术的现场数据。尽管只要有丰富的天然气，就不可能进行必要的现场测试，但探索性研究可以为未来的应用铺平道路。缺乏在真实井下条件下验证该技术的现场数据。尽管只要有丰富的天然气，就不可能进行必要的现场测试，但探索性研究可以为未来的应用铺平道路。

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