Enhancing Oil Recovery in Sandstone Core Samples Using Zeolite, Sodium & Potassium Hydroxide, Slica, AL, Addition to Formation Water

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Date
2023-03
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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.
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