Enhancing Oil Recovery in Sandstone Core Samples Using Zeolite, Sodium & Potassium Hydroxide, Slica, AL, Addition to Formation Water
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Date
2023
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جامعة سبها
Abstract
This research project explores the effectiveness of adding zeolites to formation water for
enhancing oil recovery. The demand for fossil fuels, particularly oil, remains significant for
meeting global energy needs. However, primary oil production methods fall short in extracting
most of the original oil-in-place (OOIP). Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods are employed to
address this challenge. Among these methods, water flooding plays a vital role in increasing oil
production by maintaining reservoir pressure and displacing oil from pore spaces, leading to
improved ultimate oil recovery. To enhance the efficiency of water flooding, various chemicals
have been tested and proven effective when added to the injected water. These include smart water
injection, carbonated water injection, surfactant solutions, polymers, alkalis, mutual solvents, and
foam injection. Zeolites, known for their porous structure and ion-exchange properties, have
gained prominence in numerous industrial applications, including EOR.
This research investigates the impact of adding zeolites to formation water on oil recovery. The
research issue arises from the recognition that formation water alone may not efficiently recover
oil due to oil properties and rock characteristics. The aim of this study is to determine whether the
inclusion of zeolites in formation water can enhance oil recovery. Experiments are conducted on
sandstone core samples obtained from a Libyan field in the Murzuq basin, using oil with a density
of g/cc. The findings of this research hold significance for fields subjected to water injection in
Libya, as successful implementation of zeolites could substantially increase the country's daily oil
production rate.
The experimental results demonstrate that the addition of zeolite, sodium hydroxide, potassium
hydroxide, silica, and aluminum significantly improves oil recovery at higher temperatures for
sandstone core samples. Furthermore, the inclusion of sodium hydroxide yields superior oil
recovery compared to potassium hydroxide. Using 15% of sodium and potassium hydroxides
yields better results than other percentages, although the underlying cause is not explored in this
study. Additionally, the combination of zeolite, sodium and potassium hydroxides, silica, and
aluminum enhances oil recovery, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms