Insight into Nano-chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery from Carbonate Reservoirs Using Environmentally Friendly...

Area of Science:

• Petroleum Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nanoparticles (NPs) are effective in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) by reducing interfacial tension (IFT) and surface tension (ST), and altering reservoir rock wettability.
• Synthesized nanocomposites offer potential for improved EOR performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate novel KCl/SiO2/Xanthan nanocomposites (NCs) for enhanced oil recovery applications.
• To determine the optimal concentration of these NCs for maximizing oil recovery.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of KCl/SiO2/Xanthan NCs.
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Preparation and testing of nanofluids at various concentrations (100-2000 ppm) for electrical conductivity, IFT, ST, and contact angle measurements.

Main Results:

• The optimal concentration for EOR applications was found to be 1000 ppm of KCl/SiO2/Xanthan NCs.
• At 1000 ppm, the nanofluid reduced IFT from 33 to 29 mN/m and ST from 70 to 40 mN/m.
• The contact angle decreased to 41°, and oil recovery increased by an additional 17.05% of original oil in place (OOIP).

Conclusions:

• KCl/SiO2/Xanthan NCs are highly effective in enhancing oil recovery.
• These NCs successfully alter reservoir rock wettability from oil-wet to water-wet.
• The study demonstrates significant improvements in cumulative oil production using the synthesized nanocomposites.