Advances in the Application of Microcapsule Technology in Oilfield Chemistry

JIA Jianghong; CHEN Changzhi; ZHONG Hanyi

doi:10.12358/j.issn.1001-5620.2026.03.001

Volume 43 Issue 3

Jun. 2026

Turn off MathJax

Article Contents

Article Navigation > DRILLING FLUID & COMPLETION FLUID > 2026 > 43(3): 289-300

JIA Jianghong, CHEN Changzhi, ZHONG Hanyi.Advances in the application of microcapsule technology in oilfield chemistry[J]. Drilling Fluid & Completion Fluid，2026, 43（3）：289-300 doi: 10.12358/j.issn.1001-5620.2026.03.001

Citation:

JIA Jianghong, CHEN Changzhi, ZHONG Hanyi.Advances in the application of microcapsule technology in oilfield chemistry[J]. Drilling Fluid & Completion Fluid，2026, 43（3）：289-300 doi: 10.12358/j.issn.1001-5620.2026.03.001

Citation:

PDF( 4112 KB)

Advances in the Application of Microcapsule Technology in Oilfield Chemistry

doi: 10.12358/j.issn.1001-5620.2026.03.001

JIA Jianghong^1
,,
CHEN Changzhi^{2, 3},
ZHONG Hanyi^{2, 3
,
,}

1.
Engineering Technology Management Department, Zhongyuan Oilfield Branch of SINOPEC, Puyang, Henan 457001
2.
State Key Laboratory of Deep Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong 266580
3.
School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, Shandong 266580

Received Date: 2026-01-05
Rev Recd Date: 2026-02-12

Available Online: 2026-06-12

Publish Date: 2026-06-12

Abstract

Abstract

As oil and gas exploration extends to deep reservoirs, unconventional resources and other fields, formation conditions have become increasingly demanding. Operations such as well drilling, well completion, fracturing and acidizing are faced with greater challenges, imposing higher demands on oilfield chemical additives. As an efficient and smart means of material encapsulation and controlled release, microcapsule technology provides an important approach to the solution of technical challenges in oilfield chemistry. This paper systematically introduces key parameters of microcapsules such as their structural characteristics, particle size, micromorphology, encapsulation efficiency, and mechanical property etc., and discusses industrial production methods with promising application prospects and controllable costs. It focuses on reviewing the research and application advances of microcapsule technology in targeted lubrication of drilling and completion fluids, phase change temperature control, lost circulation prevention and control, self-healing of well cement sheath, corrosion inhibition, gel breaking of fracturing fluids, and sustained-release acidizing etc. Based on the current complex formation conditions, key problems of microcapsules are analyzed, such as insufficient stability, poor release controllability and difficulties in large-scale production. Directions of future development in microcapsule technology are prospected, including the design of high-performance wall-building materials, the development of multi-responsive microcapsules, the investigation of multi-factor release mechanisms, and low-cost green production processes. It is expected to provide references for the efficient, environmentally-friendly and intelligent development of oilfield chemical additives.
- Oilfield chemistry,
- Microcapsule,
- Drilling and completion fluids,
- Lost circulation prevention and control,
- Cement sheath,
- Intelligent

FullText(HTML)

References(59)

References

[1]	马英杰. 双壁耐高温自润滑微胶囊的制备及摩擦学性能研究[D]. 大庆: 东北石油大学, 2019. MA Yingjie. Fabrication and tribological properties of high temperature resistant double-wall self-lubricating microcapsules[D]. Daqing: Northeast Petroleum University, 2019.
[2]	马国艳, 魏雯婧, 李洋, 等. 微胶囊制备技术与应用研究进展[J]. 高分子通报, 2025, 38(5): 718-726. doi: 10.14028/j.cnki.1003-3726.2025.24.311 MA Guoyan, WEI Wenjing, LI Yang, et al. Research progress on preparation technology and application of microcapsules[J]. Chinese Polymer Bulletin, 2025, 38(5): 718-726. doi: 10.14028/j.cnki.1003-3726.2025.24.311
[3]	白小林. 智能微胶囊的制备与对表面活性剂的包载释放特性研究[D]. 成都: 西南石油大学, 2017. BAI Xiaolin. Research on the preparation of intelligent microcapsules and their encapsulation and release characteristics of surfactants[D]. Chengdu: Southwest Petroleum University, 2017.
[4]	ZHU J Y, HE J Y, ZHOU J, et al. Recent progress in microencapsulation technology and its applications in petroleum industry[J]. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2024, 407: 125162. doi: 10.1016/j.molliq.2024.125162
[5]	LI Y Z, LIU J M, HE X F, et al. Preparation of cinnamon oil-loaded antibacterial composite microcapsules by in situ polymerization of pickering emulsion templates[J]. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 2020, 305(3): 1900851. doi: 10.1002/mame.201900851
[6]	BAIOCCO D, ZHANG Z B. Microplastic-free microcapsules to encapsulate Health-Promoting limonene oil[J]. Molecules, 2022, 27(21): 7215. doi: 10.3390/molecules27217215
[7]	段体岗, 黄国胜, 马力, 等. Q235/Ni-Co基自修复涂层的制备和耐蚀性能[J]. 材料研究学报, 2020, 34(10): 777-783. doi: 10.11901/1005.3093.2020.134 DUAN Tigang, HUANG Guosheng, MA Li, et al. Construction and Anti-corrosion performance of a self-healing coating on Ni-Co plating/Q235 carbon steel[J]. Chinese Journal of Materials Research, 2020, 34(10): 777-783. doi: 10.11901/1005.3093.2020.134
[8]	METTU S, YE Q Y, ZHOU M F, et al. Ultrasonically synthesized organic liquid-filled chitosan microcapsules: part 2: characterization using AFM (atomic force microscopy) and combined AFM-confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy[J]. Soft Matter, 2018, 14(16): 3192-3201. doi: 10.1039/C8SM00065D
[9]	张晶. 电石渣微胶囊水化历程及补偿混凝土收缩性能研究[D]. 呼和浩特: 内蒙古工业大学, 2025. ZHANG Jing. Study on hydration process of carbide slag microcapsules and their performance in compensating concrete shrinkage[D]. Hohhot: Inner Mongolia University of Technology, 2025.
[10]	AKULICHEV A, THORKILDSEN B. Impact of lubricating materials on arctic subsea production systems[C]//the OTC Arctic Technology Conference. Houston, Texas: OTC, 2014: OTC 24538-MS.
[11]	SCHUH F J, CORAGLIOTTI A, DICICCO C D, et al. Characterization of encapsulated oil as an additive to water-based drilling fluids: operational improvements in lubricity, drag, and ROP[C]//the SPE Western North American and Rocky Mountain Joint Meeting. Denver, Colorado: SPE, 2014: SPE 169547-MS.
[12]	REA A B, NAGATANI R, DAVIS E S, et al. A novel system for controlling pore pressure transmission, inhibition, stabilization and targeted lubrication in water-sensitive shales: proof-of-concept and initial field results[C]//SPE/IADC Middle East Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition. Abu Dhabi, UAE: SPE, 2016: SPE 178215-MS.
[13]	JI M, LIU S H, XIAO H P. Tribological behaviors of water-based drilling mud with oleic acid-filled microcapsules as lubricant additives for steel-steel contact[J]. Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, 2020, 72(7): 835-843. doi: 10.1108/ILT-08-2019-0320
[14]	JI M, LIU S H, XIAO H P, et al. Investigation on tribological performance of ionic liquid filled microcapsules as additives under water-based drilling mud conditions[J]. Tribology International, 2023, 184: 108439. doi: 10.1016/j.triboint.2023.108439
[15]	沈广成. 钻井液用微胶囊型润滑剂的研制及性能评价[D]. 青岛: 中国石油大学(华东), 2020. SHEN Guangcheng. Development and performance evaluation of microencapsulated drilling fluid lubricant[D]. Qingdao: China University of Petroleum (East China), 2020.
[16]	刘均一, 宋华, 陈二丁, 等. 基于压力响应释放的水基钻井液用靶向微胶囊润滑剂[J]. 天然气工业, 2023, 43(12): 91-99. doi: 10.3787/j.issn.1000-0976.2023.12.010 LIU Junyi, SONG Hua, CHEN Erding, et al. Targeted pressure-response encapsulated lubricants for water-based drilling fluids[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2023, 43(12): 91-99. doi: 10.3787/j.issn.1000-0976.2023.12.010
[17]	钟汉毅, 万远, 邱正松. 抗高温微胶囊润滑剂及其制备方法与应用以及水基钻井液: CN202110850677. 4[P]. 2021-07-27. ZHONG Hanyi, WAN Yuan, QIU Zhengsong. High-temperature resistant microcapsule lubricant: its preparation method, application, and water-based drilling fluid: CN202110850677. 4[P]. 2021-07-27.
[18]	钟汉毅, 李祥, 邱正松. 一种抗温微胶囊润滑剂及其制备方法与应用: CN202411126771. 5[P]. 2024-08-16. ZHONG Hanyi, LI Xiang, QIU Zhengsong. A temperature-resistant microcapsule lubricant: preparation method and application: CN202411126771. 5[P]. 2024-08-16.
[19]	黄维安, 钟汉毅, 范宇. 微胶囊润滑剂及其制备方法和应用: CN202310412458. 7[P]. 2023-04-17. HUANG Weian, ZHONG Hanyi, FAN Yu. Microencapsulated lubricant and preparation method and application: CN202310412458. 7[P]. 2023-04-17.
[20]	GHASEMI K, TASNIM S, MAHMUD S. PCM, nano/microencapsulation and slurries: a review of fundamentals, categories, fabrication, numerical models and applications[J]. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 2022, 52, Part B: 102084.
[21]	ZHANG Y B, QIU Z S, ZHAO X, et al. Preparation and characterization of intelligent temperature-control microcapsules for natural gas hydrate bearing sediment[J]. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2021, 341: 117436. doi: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117436
[22]	ZHANG Y B, QIU Z S, ZHONG H Y, et al. Preparation and characterization of expanded graphite/modified n-alkanes composite phase change material for drilling in hydrate reservoir[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2022, 429: 132422. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.132422
[23]	张玉彬. 天然气水合物地层井壁稳定机理与防塌钻井液技术研究[D]. 青岛: 中国石油大学(华东), 2022. ZHANG Yubin. Research on the mechanism of wellbore stability in natural gas hydrate reservoirs and anti-collapse drilling fluid technology[D]. Qingdao: China University of Petroleum (East China), 2022.
[24]	ZHAO X, GENG Q, ZHANG Z, et al. Phase change material microcapsules for smart temperature regulation of drilling fluids for gas hydrate reservoirs[J]. Energy, 2023, 263, Part B: 125715.
[25]	赵欣, 李孙博, 马永乐, 等. 一种海域天然气水合物钻井用相变控温微胶囊[J]. 天然气工业, 2023, 43(7): 72-78. ZHAO Xin, LI Sunbo, MA Yongle, et al. Temperature-regulating phase change material microcapsule used in marine gas hydrate drilling[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2023, 43(7): 72-78.
[26]	夏冬. 南海天然气水合物低温低水化热固井水泥浆体系研究[D]. 青岛: 中国石油大学(华东), 2021. XIA Dong. Research on low-temperature low-hydration exothermic cement slurry system for gas hydrate cementing in the South China sea[D]. Qingdao: China University of Petroleum (East China), 2021.
[27]	李磊, 刘和兴, 颜帮川, 等. 用于低水化热水泥浆的导热增强相变微胶囊制备[J]. 中国造船, 2019, 60(4): 213-221. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-4882.2019.04.024 LI Lei, LIU Hexing, YAN Bangchuan, et al. Preparation of phase change microcapsules with enhancement of thermal performance for low heat cement slurry[J]. Ship Building of China, 2019, 60(4): 213-221. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-4882.2019.04.024
[28]	杨国坤, 蒋国盛, 刘天乐, 等. 控温自修复微胶囊的制备及在水合物地层固井水泥浆中的应用[J]. 材料导报, 2021, 35(2): 32-38. doi: 10.11896/cldb.19110085 YANG Guokun, JIANG Guosheng, LIU Tianle, et al. Analysis on preparation of temperature controlled self-repairing microcapsules and its application in cement slurry for hydrate formation[J]. Materials Review, 2021, 35(2): 32-38. doi: 10.11896/cldb.19110085
[29]	马洁, 张尧, 李辉, 等. 钻井液降温用相变材料的研究进展[J]. 钻井液与完井液, 2025, 42(5): 567-574. doi: 10.12358/j.issn.1001-5620.2025.05.001 MA Jie, ZHANG Yao, LI Hui, et al. Progresses in researching phase change materials for drilling fluid cooling[J]. Drilling Fluid & Completion Fluid, 2025, 42(5): 567-574. doi: 10.12358/j.issn.1001-5620.2025.05.001
[30]	刘均一, 陈二丁, 赵红香, 等. 相变材料在高温深井钻井液降温技术中的前瞻研究[C]//2020油气田勘探与开发国际会议(IFEDC2020). 成都: 西安石油大学, 2020: 1-9. LIU Junyi, CHEN Erding, ZHAO Hongxiang, et al. Prospective study of phase change materials in deep well drilling fluid cooling technology[C]//2020 International Conference on Oil and Gas Field Exploration and Development (IFEDC2020). Chengdu: Xi`an Shiyou University, 2020: 1-9
[31]	王成文, 熊超, 陈泽华, 等. 高温钻井液主动降温用耐高温高压微球制备方法及其应用: CN202211170054. 3[P]. 2022-09-22. WANG Chengwen, XIONG Chao, CHEN Zehua, et al. Preparation method and application of high temperature and high pressure resistant microspheres for active temperature reduction of high temperature drilling fluids: CN202211170054. 3[P]. 2022-09-22.
[32]	GUO P F, QIU Z S, ZHANG Y B, et al. Preparation and characterization of phase change microcapsules for improving the applicable temperature and stability of high temperature resistant drilling fluids[J]. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2024, 201: 389-398. doi: 10.1016/j.cherd.2023.11.054
[33]	李美春, 李子燕, 孙金声, 等. 一种钻井液降温用相变胶囊及其制备方法与应用: CN202410166589. 6[P]. 2024-02-06. LI Meichun, LI Ziyan, SUN Jinsheng, et al. A phase change capsule for cooling drilling fluid and its preparation method and application: CN202410166589. 6[P]. 2024-02-06.
[34]	LI M C, LI Z Y, SUN J S, et al. A phase change microcapsule for drilling fluid temperature reduction and its preparation method and application: CN202410166589. 6[P]. 2024-04-19.
[35]	孙金声, 章超, 黄贤斌, 等. 一种超深层钻井液用双壳层高导热相变储热微胶囊及其制备方法与应用: CN202411317096. 4[P]. 2024-09-20. SUN Jinsheng, ZHANG Chao, HUANG Xianbin, et al. A double-shell high thermal conductivity phase change heat storage microcapsule for ultra-deep well drilling fluids and its preparation method and application: CN202411317096. 4[P]. 2024-09-20.
[36]	ZHANG Q, LI Y F, WANG Y, et al. Synthesis of size-controllable Erythritol@TiO₂ phase change microcapsules and application in cooling of high-temperature drilling fluids[J]. Journal of Energy Storage, 2025, 112: 115294. doi: 10.1016/j.est.2025.115294
[37]	WALKER C O. Encapsulated water absorbent polymers as lost circulation additives for aqueous drilling fluids: US 4664816[P]. 1985-05-28.
[38]	郭永宾, 颜帮川, 黄熠, 等. 高温成胶可降解聚合物凝胶堵漏剂的研制与评价[J]. 钻井液与完井液, 2019, 36(3): 293-297. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5620.2019.03.005 GUO Yongbin, YAN Bangchuan, HUANG Yi, et al. Development and evaluation of a high temperature gelling and degradable polymer lost circulation material[J]. Drilling Fluid & Completion Fluid, 2019, 36(3): 293-297. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5620.2019.03.005
[39]	臧晓宇, 邱正松, 郭鹏飞, 等. 微胶囊型堵漏剂的制备及裂缝封堵层强化效果研究[J]. 应用化工, 2025, 54(2): 277-281. ZANG Xiaoyu, QIU Zhengsong, GUO Pengfei, et al. Preparation and evaluation of microcapsule plugging agent in lost circulation control[J]. Applied Chemical Industry, 2025, 54(2): 277-281.
[40]	CHENG X W, YANG Y S, YANG Y Q, et al. Synthesis of microcrystalline brownmillerite Ca₂(Al, Fe)₂O₅ and its influence of mechanical properties to the class G oil-well cement[J]. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 2018, 32(2): 125-138. doi: 10.1080/01694243.2017.1342425
[41]	WHITE S R, SOTTOS N R, GEUBELLE P H, et al. Autonomic healing of polymer composites[J]. Nature, 2001, 409(6822): 794-797. doi: 10.1038/35057232
[42]	黄丽娜, 毛倩瑾, 张建, 等. 海藻酸钙微胶囊对水泥基材料的自修复效果研究[J]. 混凝土世界, 2021(10): 52-55. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7011.2021.10.011 HUANG Lina, MAO Qianjin, ZHANG Jian, et al. Study on Self-Healing effect of calcium alginate microcapsules on Cement-Based materials[J]. Building Decoration Materials World, 2021(10): 52-55. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7011.2021.10.011
[43]	WANG X G, ZHANG X Z, ZOU F B, et al. Self-healing microcapsules modified by montmorillonite for modulating slow-release properties[J]. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2022, 291: 126688. doi: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2022.126688
[44]	周效全, 母德全. 功能油田化学品的应用研究[J]. 钻采工艺, 1999, 22(6): 71-74. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-768X.1999.06.020 ZHOU Xiaoquan, MU Dequan. Applied research on functional oilfield chemicals[J]. Drilling & Production Technology, 1999, 22(6): 71-74. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-768X.1999.06.020
[45]	KUANG F, SHI T H, WANG J, et al. Microencapsulation technology for thiourea corrosion inhibitor[J]. Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry, 2009, 13(11): 1729-1735. doi: 10.1007/s10008-009-0803-8
[46]	THANAWALA K, MUTNEJA N, KHANNA A S, et al. Development of self-healing coatings based on linseed oil as autonomous repairing agent for corrosion resistance[J]. Materials, 2014, 7(11): 7324-7338. doi: 10.3390/ma7117324
[47]	MATSUDA T, JADHAV N, KASHI K B, et al. Self-healing ability and particle size effect of encapsulated cerium nitrate into pH sensitive microcapsules[J]. Progress in Organic Coatings, 2016, 90: 425-430. doi: 10.1016/j.porgcoat.2015.10.021
[48]	FERM P, JEFF G, KURT H, et al. Cross-linked polymeric controlled release particles for inorganic scale inhibition[C]//the SPE International Conference on Oilfield Chemistry. Galveston, Texas, USA: SPE, 2019: SPE 193557-MS.
[49]	RESS J, MARTIN U, BOSCH J, et al. pH-triggered release of NaNO₂ corrosion inhibitors from novel colophony microcapsules in simulated concrete pore solution[J]. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2020, 12(41): 46686-46700. doi: 10.1021/acsami.0c13497
[50]	张瑜. 微胶囊破胶剂的制备及其高温释放性能的研究[D]. 天津: 天津大学, 2020. ZHANG Yu. Preparation of microcapsule gel breaker and study on its High-Temperature release performance[D]. Tianjin: Tianjin University, 2020.
[51]	张汝生, 王增宝, 赵梦云, 等. 助破胶胶囊型压裂屏蔽暂堵保护剂的制备与性能评价[J]. 油田化学, 2019, 36(2): 225-229. doi: 10.19346/j.cnki.1000-4092.2019.02.007 ZHANG Rusheng, WANG Zengbao, ZHAO Mengyun, et al. Preparation and performance evaluation of helper-breaking capsule type shielding temporary plugging protection agent in fracturing[J]. Oilfield Chemistry, 2019, 36(2): 225-229. doi: 10.19346/j.cnki.1000-4092.2019.02.007
[52]	朱永杰, 赵亚睿, 窦姝凡, 等. 具有增强力学性能的助破胶微胶囊的制备与性能评价[J]. 油田化学, 2021, 38(3): 417-421,463. doi: 10.19346/j.cnki.1000-4092.2021.03.007 ZHU Yongjie, ZHAO Yarui, DOU Shufan, et al. Preparation and performance evaluation of auxiliary gel breaking microcapsule with enhanced mechanical property[J]. Oilfield Chemistry, 2021, 38(3): 417-421,463. doi: 10.19346/j.cnki.1000-4092.2021.03.007
[53]	李晓丹, 李光辉, 郑家桢, 等. 纳米级过硫酸铵微胶囊的制备及性能[J]. 石油学报(石油加工), 2020, 36(4): 720-727. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-8719.2020.04.009 LI Xiaodan, LI Guanghui, ZHENG Jiazhen, et al. Preparation and properties of nanometer ammonium persulfate microcapsules[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica (Petroleum Processing Section), 2020, 36(4): 720-727. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-8719.2020.04.009
[54]	LIU J M, LIU P L, DU J, et al. Solid acids for stimulating high-temperature carbonate reservoirs: a review[J]. Geoenergy Science and Engineering, 2026, 258: 214312. doi: 10.1016/j.geoen.2025.214312
[55]	BLAUCH M E, CHENG A, RISPLER K, et al. Novel carbonate well production enhancement application for encapsulated acid technology: first-use case history[C]//SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition. Denver, Colorado: SPE, 2003: SPE 84131-MS.
[56]	JOHNSON L M, ROTHROCK G D, SHEPERD S, et al. Encapsulation and controlled delivery of strong mineral acids: US 2017183564[P]. 2017-04-25.
[57]	LUO Z F, ZHANG N L, ZHAO L Q, et al. A reservoir-damage-free encapsulated acid dually controlled by hydrogen ion concentration and temperature[J]. RSC Advances, 2019, 9(58): 33733-33746. doi: 10.1039/C9RA06763A
[58]	彭志刚, 刘高峰, 冯茜, 等. 氨基磺酸乙基纤维素微胶囊的制备及缓释性能[J]. 现代化工, 2019, 39(1): 119-122,124. doi: 10.16606/j.cnki.issn0253-4320.2019.01.025 PENG Zhigang, LIU Gaofeng, FENG Qian, et al. Preparation of ethyl cellulose sulfamate microcapsules and release properties[J]. Modern chemical industry, 2019, 39(1): 119-122,124. doi: 10.16606/j.cnki.issn0253-4320.2019.01.025
[59]	郑知晗, 吕会强. 一种缓释酸型高效驱油冲洗液研究[J]. 中外能源, 2023, 28(增刊1): 104-108. ZHENG Zhihan, LYU Huiqiang. Study on a slow-release acid-type efficient oil-displacing flushing fluid[J]. Sino-global Energy, 2023, 28(S1): 104-108.

Relative Articles

Supplements(0)

Cited By

Proportional views

Proportional views

通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

1.
沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院沈阳 110142

Figures(6)

Get Citation

PDF

XML

Article Metrics

Article views (61) PDF downloads(12)

Advances in the Application of Microcapsule Technology in Oilfield Chemistry

doi: 10.12358/j.issn.1001-5620.2026.03.001

Abstract

References

Proportional views

Catalog

通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

Article Metrics

Proportional views

Related

Advances in the Application of Microcapsule Technology in Oilfield Chemistry

doi: 10.12358/j.issn.1001-5620.2026.03.001

Abstract

References

Proportional views

Catalog

通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

Article Metrics

Proportional views

Related

Export File

Citation

Format

Content