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Nanoparticles in Chemical EOR: A Review on Flooding Tests
Akram Al-Asadi1,2, Eva Rodil1, Ana Soto1
1Cross-Disciplinary Research Center in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 11, 2022
Summary
Nanoparticle-based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) shows promise, with potential for over 15% recovery. Further research is needed to optimize nanoparticle selection for specific reservoir conditions.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods are crucial for maximizing hydrocarbon extraction.
- Nanofluids are emerging as a promising category of EOR agents.
- Existing reviews focus on mechanisms, but a performance-based assessment of nano-EOR is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile and analyze data on the most effective nano-EOR methods based on core-flooding test performance.
- To provide researchers with practical insights for the experimental application of nano-EOR.
- To identify key factors influencing nano-EOR success in diverse reservoir settings.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published literature on nano-EOR.
- Focus on experimental data from core-flooding tests.
- Analysis of nanoparticle formulations, including simple nanoparticles, functionalized nanoparticles, and combinations with surfactants/polymers.
Main Results:
- Additional oil recoveries up to 15% of original oil in place (OOIP) achieved with simple nanoparticle formulations.
- Higher recoveries observed when nanoparticles are combined with smart water or magnetic fields.
- Synergistic effects noted when functionalized nanoparticles are combined with surfactants and/or polymers.
Conclusions:
- Nano-EOR demonstrates significant potential for increasing oil recovery, warranting further investigation.
- Practical application requires careful consideration of cost, preparation, and formulation stability.
- More rigorous, systematic studies are essential to determine optimal nanoparticle types and sizes for specific reservoir conditions.
