Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Microfluidic Devices for Characterizing Pore-scale Event Processes in Porous Media for Oil Recovery Applications
Published on: January 16, 2018
Advances of microemulsion and its applications for improved oil recovery
Tongyu Zhu1, Wanli Kang1, Hongbin Yang1
1Key Laboratory of Unconventional Oil & Gas Development, China University of Petroleum (East China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266580, PR China; School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, PR China.
Abstract:
Microemulsion, because of its excellent interfacial tension reduction and solubilization properties, has wide range of applications in the petroleum industry, especially in improved oil recovery (IOR). Herein, the concept, types and formation mechanism of microemulsion were primarily introduced. Then, the preparation and characterization methods were illustrated. Additionally, several effect factors were elaborated specifically based on the composition of microemulsion. Finally, the application of microemulsion in IOR was addressed, including IOR mechanism analysis based on sweep efficiency and displacement efficiency, injection method (microemulsion flooding, in-situ microemulsion formation) and field tests. Furthermore, the current challenges and prospects of microemulsion on IOR were analyzed.
Related Concept Videos
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Solubility Enhancement
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
Colloids

