Improvement of chemical enhanced oil recovery methods

  1. Tafur Angulo, Néstor Alberto
Dirixida por:
  1. Ana María Soto Campos Director
  2. Alberto Pérez Muñuzuri Director

Universidade de defensa: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela

Fecha de defensa: 27 de outubro de 2023

Tribunal:
  1. Ramón Rodríguez Pons-Esparver Presidente/a
  2. Josefa Salgado Carballo Secretaria
  3. Jorge Fernando Brandão Pereira Vogal
Departamento:
  1. Departamento de Enxeñaría Química

Tipo: Tese

Resumo

In the midst of the imperative transition towards ecological sustainability, the role of oil as a vital energy resource is undeniable. This Thesis tackles the challenge of amplifying the oil recovery potential of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques applied in oil reservoirs, especially of carbonate rocks, to optimize oil extraction from existing reservoirs. The research explores three chemical EOR method approaches: the control of unstable displacement (viscous ingering), reduction of interfacial tension (IFT), and alteration of rock wettability. The study on controlling viscous ingering via chemical reactions was methodically conducted through numerical simulations. Afterward, advanced formulations employing surfactants and ionic liquid blends were examined for EOR applications by reducing IFT to low values. Several ionic liquids were evaluated to improve the rock wettability alteration properties of smart water at low temperatures. The results obtained in this work show promising techniques to move beyond known oil recovery methods, balancing today's demands with the imperatives of tomorrow.