In the laboratory, an increasing range of analytical methods, such as
electron, and atomic force microscopy, as well as ATR-FTIR offer
themselves to studying the structure of clay-inhibitor systems at the
nano-scale, while recent developments in, for example, wet cell XRD
characterization (Warr and Berger, 2007) provide a meanswith which to
determine the relative proportions of interlayer and non-interlayer (pore
plus surface) water in a clay mineral. These techniques, in turn, allow for
more informed modeling and simulation of these organominerals.
Collaborations with colloid physicists should also be sought, as
understanding the relationship between swelling regimes, exfoliation
andflocculation may prove crucial in fully understanding clay-swelling
inhibition. Finally, industry can also play a role as significant bodies of
data are heldby the oilfield service industry, aswell as access to bespoke
instruments for measuring clay swelling under borehole conditions.
In the short-term, if the production of ethical, sustainable large-scale biofuels is not realized the exploration for oil and gas will
continue with increased urgency, in increasingly environmentally
sensitive areas. The requirement for biodegradable and non-toxic
WBDFs will be high, and developments in this area will only come
from an increased understanding, at a fundamental level, of why clay
minerals swell, and how to inhibit the process.