Nanoparticles in Chemical EOR: A Review on Flooding Tests

Abstract

The use of nanofluids is showing promise as an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method. Several reviews have been published focusing on the main mechanisms involved in the process. This new study, unlike previous works, aims to collect information about the most promising nano-EOR methods according to their performance in core-flooding tests. As its main contribution, it presents useful information for researchers interested in experimental application of nano-EOR methods. Additional recoveries (after brine flooding) up to 15% of the original oil in place, or higher when combined with smart water or magnetic fields, have been found with formulations consisting of simple nanoparticles in water or brine. The functionalization of nanoparticles and their combination with surfactants and/or polymers take advantage of the synergy of different EOR methods and can lead to higher additional recoveries. The cost, difficulty of preparation, and stability of the formulations have to be considered in practical applications. Additional oil recoveries shown in the reviewed papers encourage the application of the method at larger scales, but experimental limitations could be offering misleading results. More rigorous and systematic works are required to draw reliable conclusions regarding the best type and size of nanoparticles according to the application (type of rock, permeability, formation brine, reservoir conditions, other chemicals in the formulation, etc.)

Nanoparticle-Assisted Surfactant/Polymer Formulations for Enhanced Oil Recovery in Sandstone Reservoirs: From Molecular Interaction to Field Application

“…For the purpose of removing oil films from the surface of rocks, various kinds of nanoparticles, including metal oxides and organic (dendrimers and biopolymers), inorganic, and composite particles, have been experimented. 61 Research has shown that nanoparticles derived from the oxides of metals (Al 2 O 3 , CuO, TiO 2 , and Fe 2 O 3 ) can lower the oil/water IFT and also give rise to the disjoining pressure that pushes toward the solid surface and oil−water interface. 62 IFT is reduced as nanoparticles separate out at the oil−water contact from the aqueous phase.…”

Nanotechnology Impact on Chemical-Enhanced Oil Recovery: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Recent Developments

“…These field trials demonstrate that nano-EOR has the potential to be a viable technology for improving oil recovery in a variety of reservoir conditions. 29,138 6.2. Laboratory Tests and Field Performance.…”

“…(iii) ConocoPhillips’ field trial in the United States: This field trial demonstrated that nano-EOR can be used to improve oil recovery from mature reservoirs. These field trials demonstrate that nano-EOR has the potential to be a viable technology for improving oil recovery in a variety of reservoir conditions. , …”

In-Situ Synthesis of Nanoparticles for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Operations: Current Status and Future Prospects

“…The emergence and extensive applications of nanotechnology in diverse industries such as electronics, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, materials, aerospace, and more have prompted many experts in energy-related fields to invest in this technology [5]. Consequently, numerous researchers have turned to the use of nanoparticles to address various challenges within the oil industry, enhance the efficiency of conventional EOR methods, and increase production from oil reservoirs, particularly heavy and extraheavy oil reservoirs [6,7]. Nanotechnology deals with materials at dimensions exceedingly close to the molecular scale (nanometers, 10-9 m).…”