Research

Dr. Amber Krummel, Professor of Chemistry at Colorado State University and Director of Deep Tech Initiatives, is the principal investigator behind the scientific validation of Synergetic technology. Her research connects molecular spectroscopy with applied petroleum engineering, validating how low-frequency vibrational energy modulates crystallization pathways and weakens molecular adhesion in petroleum fluids.

"Direct Measurement of the Absolute Orientation of N3 Dye at Gold and Titanium Dioxide Surfaces with Heterodyne-Detected Vibrational SFG Spectroscopy"
‍Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 2016

• Authors: C. C. Rich, M. A. Mattson, A. T. Krummel

• Summary: This study utilizes heterodyne-detected vibrational sum-frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy to determine the absolute orientation of N3 dye molecules on gold and TiO₂ surfaces, providing insights into interfacial molecular interactions.

• Publication Link

"Probing Structural Features of Self-Assembled Violanthrone-79 using Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy"
‍Journal of Chemical Physics, 2015

• Authors: J. D. Cyran, A. T. Krummel

• Summary: This research employs two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy to investigate the structural characteristics of self-assembled Vibrant-79. It sheds light on molecular interactions and aggregation behavior relevant to crystallization processes.

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"Polymeric Infrared Compatible Microfluidic Devices for Spectrochemical Analysis"
‍Analytical Chemistry, 2013

• Authors: M. V. Barich, A. T. Krummel

• Summary: This paper presents the development of infrared-compatible microfluidic devices, enabling advanced spectrochemical analysis of molecular interactions and reactions pertinent to studying fluid behaviours in confined environments.

• Publication Link

METHODOLOGY

Our Multi-Phase Scientific Approach

Synergetic’s technology is scientifically validated using a structured, evidence-based approach rooted in empirical observation, controlled experimentation, and quantitative analysis. This methodology was designed to systematically investigate the effects of low-frequency vibrational energy on molecular interactions, focusing on crystallization, interfacial adhesion, and deposition behavior in petroleum fluids.

The research was conducted in a multi-phase process, beginning with field observations, followed by laboratory hypothesis testing, controlled experiments, and rigorous data analysis to establish measurable and repeatable results.

Observation | Field Discovery & Initial Findings

In the early 2000s, Brian Herman observed unexpected fluid behavior in active well systems, where paraffin and scale deposition rates were significantly reduced without chemical inhibitors. His field trials with custom-built downhole tools consistently showed improved fluid stability and flow efficiency, suggesting an external physical influence on molecular interactions. However, traditional thermodynamic or chemical models could not fully explain these findings, raising the question of whether vibrational energy was altering crystallization pathways and deposition behavior.

KEY OBSERVATIONS

• Deposition Disruption: Wells equipped with Herman’s tools exhibited lower paraffin and scale accumulation, with altered crystallization structures observed in extracted samples.

• Fluid Stability & Flow Modifications: Treated wells showed improved viscosity, reduced pour point, and shifts in interfacial tension, suggesting molecular-scale changes in phase behavior.

• Material Interaction Effects: Specific material compositions in the tools appeared to emit vibrational harmonics, correlating with extended operational uptime and reduced remediation needs.

While these results demonstrated a measurable reduction in deposition, the underlying mechanism remained unverified. To establish a scientific explanation, this phenomenon became the subject of a decade-long research initiative at Colorado State University, where Dr. Amber Krummel’s team applied molecular spectroscopy and crystallization kinetics studies to determine the physical principles governing these effects.

Hypothesis | Vibrational Energy & Molecular Disruption

Building on Brian Hermans's field observations, Dr. Amber Krummel’s research at Colorado State University sought to establish a scientific explanation for the observed reductions in paraffin and scale deposition. Her hypothesis proposed that low-frequency vibrational energy disrupts crystallization pathways, weakens molecular adhesion forces, and modifies interfacial energy, preventing the stable formation of deposits in petroleum fluids.

• Low-frequency vibrational energy modulates molecular interactions, destabilizing crystallization processes by influencing nucleation processes, interfacial tension, and molecular aggregation.

This hypothesis is grounded in lattice dynamics, interfacial chemistry, and molecular vibration theory, which suggests that vibrational energy can influence molecular interactions, deposition behavior, and phase stability. By weakening molecular alignment, vibrational exposure disrupts paraffin and scale nucleation, preventing the rigid lattice formation necessary for crystallization.

Additionally, vibrational forces are expected to destabilize van der Waals and electrostatic interactions, reducing the adhesion of crystallizing solids to well surfaces. Changes in interfacial tension and phase boundaries may also alter emulsion stability and viscosity, further influencing deposition behavior.

Experiment | Controlled Laboratory Testing & Validation

Dr. Amber Krummel and her research team at Colorado State University (CSU) conducted a multi-phase experimental study to test whether low-frequency vibrational energy influences molecular interactions, crystallization, and interfacial behavior in petroleum fluids. The goal was to establish measurable, repeatable evidence of vibrational effects on nucleation processes, adhesion forces, and fluid phase stability.

Crystallization & Nucleation Studies

Researchers analyzed crystal formation patterns using high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy to determine whether vibrational energy disrupted paraffin and scale nucleation.

• X-ray microtomography and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measured structural evolution and molecular ordering in treated vs. untreated deposits.

• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) tracked thermal phase transitions, identifying modifications in nucleation energy barriers.

• Resonance Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) assessed mechanical property differences, confirming structural changes in treated crystals.

Interfacial Adhesion & Molecular Organization Studies

Experiments evaluated changes in molecular interactions at fluid-solid interfaces, focusing on adhesion forces and molecular structuring.

• Vibrational Sum-Frequency Generation (VSFG) Spectroscopy revealed weaker interfacial molecular bonds, suggesting reduced adhesion tendencies.

• Surface Tension Analysis & Contact Angle Measurements quantified wetting behavior shifts, indicating reduced deposition potential.

• Computational Molecular Modeling simulated vibrational effects on molecular ordering, validating experimental findings.

Fluid Stability & Flow Behavior Studies

Viscosity and phase stability were tested to determine vibrational impacts on fluid rheology.

• Rheology & Thixotropy testing identified viscosity and shear response modifications, demonstrating improved fluid characteristics for better flow efficiency.

• Bulk Fluid Stability Analysis & Phase Separation Imaging showed emulsion behavior differences, which demonstrate improved oil-water separation efficiency.

• Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analyzed molecular composition shifts, detecting structural changes in hydrocarbon interactions.

Findings | Data Analysis & Findings

Laboratory analysis confirmed that low-frequency vibrational energy alters crystallization dynamics, molecular adhesion forces, and fluid stability. High-resolution spectroscopy, imaging, and rheological data provided measurable, repeatable evidence of these effects.

KEY FINDINGS

Crystallization & Nucleation Disruption

• X-ray diffraction and DSC analysis confirmed structural modifications in wax and scale crystallization, indicating nucleation disruption.

• Lower energy barriers to crystallization were observed, suggesting delayed and less-ordered nucleation in vibrationally treated samples.

• RUS testing revealed weakened and structurally altered deposits, supporting vibrational disruption of crystal growth mechanics.

Interfacial Energy & Molecular Adhesion Effects

• VSFG spectroscopy detected weakened interfacial molecular bonds, correlating with reduced surface adhesion forces.

• Surface tension measurements confirmed modifications in interfacial energy, reducing deposition tendencies in treated fluids.

• Molecular simulations reinforced the observed disruptions in molecular ordering at solid-fluid interfaces.

Fluid Rheology & Stability Adjustments

• Rheology data showed viscosity modifications, reducing flow resistance and shear stress effects.

• Emulsion analysis detected phase separation differences, indicating enhanced interfacial stability.

• FTIR spectral analysis revealed hydrocarbon structuring shifts, supporting vibrational influence on fluid phase behavior.

Application | Vibrational Energy for Deposition Control

CSU’s findings established a scientific foundation for using vibrational energy to control deposition processes, opening pathways for non-chemical approaches to paraffin and scale mitigation.

KEY IMPLICATIONS

• Deposition Control Without Chemical Inhibitors: Vibrational energy alters nucleation pathways and reduces adhesion forces, offering an alternative to chemical inhibitors for controlling paraffin and scale deposition.

• Potential for Flow Assurance & Production Optimization: Modifications in fluid viscosity and interfacial stability suggest vibrational energy can enhance flow efficiency and reduce pipeline restrictions.

• Environmental & Economic Advantages: As a passive, non-chemical method, vibrational energy applications could reduce chemical usage and lower operational costs while minimizing environmental impact.

Lattice Dynamics and the Disruption of Crystallization Pathways in Petroleum Fluids

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