Study on the Dual Enhancement Effect of Nanoparticle-Surfactant Composite Systems on Oil Recovery Rates

Area of Science:

• Petroleum Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is crucial for maximizing hydrocarbon extraction.
• Nanoparticle-surfactant composite flooding offers a promising EOR technique.
• Understanding synergistic effects is key to optimizing EOR performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the synergistic effects of SiO2 nanoparticles and OP-10 surfactant for enhanced oil recovery.
• To determine the optimal ratio of nanoparticles to surfactant for maximum oil recovery.
• To elucidate the mechanisms behind the enhanced oil recovery performance.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of nanoparticle-surfactant composite systems.
• Measurement of oil-water interfacial tension (IFT) and contact angle.
• Core displacement experiments to evaluate recovery efficiency.

Main Results:

• The optimal SiO2 nanoparticle to OP-10 surfactant ratio (3:2) reduced IFT to 0.005 mN/m.
• Wettability was altered from 128° to 42°, indicating improved reservoir wettability.
• Composite flooding achieved a 71.5% recovery rate, a 39.2% improvement over water flooding.

Conclusions:

• The SiO2 nanoparticle-OP-10 surfactant composite system significantly enhances oil recovery.
• Synergistic mechanisms include IFT reduction, wettability alteration, emulsion formation, and improved sweep efficiency.
• This composite flooding approach offers a novel pathway for efficient low-permeability reservoir development.