Effectiveness of electrokinetic-enhanced oil recovery (EK-EOR): a systematic review

Abstract

Hydrocarbons continue to play an important role in providing affordable energy to meet rising energy demand. Amidst growing concerns on the environmental impact of oil and gas production processes, many researchers are increasingly exploring environmentally sustainable methods of extracting hydrocarbons from the reservoir. The introduction of direct current into the pore space activates mechanisms that enhance fluid flow, reduces produced water, decreases associated hydrogen sulfide production, and leaves no material footprint on the environment. Previous laboratory studies and field applications have reported varying degrees of success of the EK-EOR mechanism. However, the mechanism and effectiveness of this technique remain unclear. This systematic literature review provides an opportunity to critically evaluate laboratory results, establish a basis for the effectiveness of the EK-EOR mechanism and identify possible future research directions. In this study, 52 articles were identified and reviewed in a selection process that adhered to the PRISMA protocol. Data extracted from these articles were fed into the EK-EOR model, and Monte Carlo simulation (10,000 iterations) was used to determine the success rate of the EK-EOR process. Insights obtained from the simulation indicate that EK-EOR alone is not effective (with a success rate of 45%). Insights from published laboratory experiments indicate that interstitial clay affects the electro-osmotic permeability of reservoir rocks which determines the effectiveness of the EK-EOR mechanism. Salt deposition on the cathode and generation of gases (oxygen and chlorine at the anode) are significant limitations of the EK-EOR. The review concludes by identifying future areas of application of EK-EOR.

Overview of Methods for Enhanced Oil Recovery from Conventional and Unconventional Reservoirs

“…Statements about the need for special economic mechanisms for the implementation of EOR technologies have become commonplace. However, specific and effective solutions have not been developed or adopted in almost any country in the world today, perhaps with the exception of China [176].…”

Spontaneous Imbibition and an Interface-Electrostatics-Based Model of the Transition Zone Thickness of Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Their Theoretical Interpretations

“…However, petroleum reservoirs are sediments derived from originally existing rocks with aggregarde of minerals that have ionisable surface group when in contact with aqueous phase due to hydrolysis reactions [29]. Consequently, the formation of the lelectric double layer within hydrocarbon reservoirss is possible via dissociation reactions surface ionsable groups of minerals and the pH, zeta potential, free energy, and its thickness affects wettability [30] and capillary imbibition within the TZ.…”

Estimating Geophysical Parameters Using Petrophysical Algorithm to Enhance Hydrocarbon Recovery in Lokaka Field, Niger Delta, Nigeria

“…This is to facilitate increase in the recovery rate (RR) of hydrocarbon and also to determine the extent to which nanoparticles can influence the ability of the injected fluid(s) to easily displace hydrocarbon for possible exploration. The work of (Ikpeka et al, 2022) based on electro-kinetic EOR done by introducing direct current into the reservoir rocks crevices revealed that electro-kinetic EOR assists in activating the recovery process and stated that a major setback to this method is the deposition of cathodic salt and gas generation but on the average, EOR can be electrically triggered to facilitate production of more volume of hydrocarbon. (Yin and Zhou, 2021) established that oil recovery can be enhanced in fractured reservoirs of low permeability.…”