Applications of nanoparticles in enhanced oil recovery

Abstract

Nanoparticles serve various purposes in the hydrocarbon industry which are utilized to improve the volume of oil and gas production. Nanomaterials are used in petroleum applications as nanoparticles, nanosensors, nanocomposites, coated nanoparticles, nanofluids etc. Thus, the application of nanotechnology in the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method helps to extract the trapped oil present beneath the surface. Some nano ultra-fine particles are cost-effective and eco-friendly. The injected fluid interacts with the rock/oil system to create a favourable environment for oil recovery. This study focuses on a review of the different types of nanoparticles and nanomaterials used in petroleum applications. This paper aims to study the classification and characterization of nanoparticles. This also includes the physiochemical and mechanical properties of nanomaterials. The study discusses the applications of nanoparticles in chemical, miscible, thermal and microbial floodings. It mainly focuses on various mechanisms involved by adding nanoparticles such as wettability alteration, IFT reduction, rheology improvement, mobility control etc. This research also addresses new green nanomaterials and nanocomposites, which includes injecting specialized green chemicals (surfactants, alcohols, and polymers) that successfully displace oil. The IFT between the displacing fluid and the oil is reduced due to phase-behaviour properties.

Keywords

• Nano technology
• Nanofluids
• Enhanced oil recovery
• Interfacial tension
• Green nanomaterials