Microfluidic Studies on Minimum Miscibility Pressure for n-Decane and CO2

Abstract

Oil production is a complex process that can be made more efficient by applying gas enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods. Thus, it is essential to know the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) and minimum miscibility enrichment (MME) of gas in oil. Conventional slim-tube experiments for the measurement of MMP require hundreds of millilitres of real or recombined oil and last over 30 days. Advances in microfluidic technology allow the reduction of the amount of fluid and the time required in determining MMP (or MME), hence making the process rapid. In this study, we developed a microfluidic model with a stochastically distributed pore network, porosity of 74.6% and volume of 83.26 nanolitres. Although the volume was six orders of magnitude smaller than the slim tube, it retained the same proportions, guaranteeing a proper comparison between the tests. This microfluidic chip allowed the study of the MMP of n-decane with carbon dioxide at two different temperature conditions. The experimental results coincided with the results received both from conventional and microfluidic experiments. Furthermore, a numerical simulation of a section of the microfluidic model under the experimental conditions presented results within acceptable margins of the experimental ones. The results of the presented methodology indicate the potential to replace conventional technology for the measurement of MMP with microfluidic technology. Its promise lies in accelerating laboratory tests and increasing the reliability of experimental results and, subsequently, the quality of field gas EOR operations.

Direct Investigation of Oil Recovery Mechanism by Polymer-Alternating-Gas CO2 through Micromodel Experiments

“…After 1 PV of CO 2 injection, the oil inside the dead-end pore was still bypassed and required a longer injection time to be extracted. The pure CO 2 and decane mixed at the first contact, unlike reservoir oil, in which multiple contact miscibility could be developed through a component exchange . The miscible CO 2 injection into Varsol oil was conducted, and it was concluded that the CO 2 finger flowed into the micromodel and effectively swept oil out at the occupied area .…”

Research Progress on CO2 Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Based on Micro-Nano Fluidics Technology

“…Traditional experimental methods for determining MMP mainly include the slim tube experiment (ST) [95], rising bubble method (RBA) [96], and the disappearance of interfacial tension method (VIT) [97]. However, these experimental methods are time-consuming, subjective, lack quantitative information, and are not suitable for complex mixtures [98]. Theoretical methods simulate the situations of immiscible and miscible phases by coupling the Navier-Stokes equation, interface tracking equation, and convection-diffusion equation, or calculating critical parameters using state equations.…”

Comprehensive Review of the Determination and Reduction of the Minimum Miscibility Pressure during CO2 Flooding

“…On the one hand, the application of CO 2 flooding can store CO 2 in the reservoir and reduce CO 2 emissions, playing a significant role in environmental protection. On the other hand, except for low cost, it has great potential to improve oil recovery for CO 2 flooding, which can bring significant economic benefits. − …”

“…On the other hand, except for low cost, it has great potential to improve oil recovery for CO 2 flooding, which can bring significant economic benefits. 1 − 4 …”