Improving Methods for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Applying surface science to optimize fluid behavior

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Enhanced oil recovery starts at the surface

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques aim to extract trapped oil that primary and secondary methods leave behind, requiring a deep understanding of fluid dynamics and surface interactions. Surface science plays a pivotal role in optimizing EOR processes by analyzing critical factors such as wettability, emulsion stability, and foam behavior. By fine-tuning these interfacial properties, operators can improve displacement efficiency, reduce residual oil saturation, and enhance overall recovery rates. As the EOR industry continues to seek innovative solutions for maximizing yield, surface science provides the insights needed to overcome complex reservoir challenges.

Enhancing high-pressure emulsion control for EOR success

Stable emulsions help to ensure efficient oil displacement during chemical flooding. By measuring interfacial tension under high-pressure and temperature, i.e. reservoir-like conditions, operators can accurately predict emulsion behavior and refine their chemical formulations for optimal performance. Improved emulsion control leads to more effective displacement, reduced residual oil, and higher recovery rates.

Learn more about surface science methods in EOR in our webinar.

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Understanding reservoir rock wetting for better oil recovery

Wettability determines how easily oil can be displaced from reservoir rock surfaces. By measuring contact angles, operators can identify whether the rock is water- or oil-wet, which helps them to select appropriate surfactants and thus improve displacement efficiency. Optimizing rock wetting conditions leads to higher recovery rates and better overall process control.

Learn about equipment for contact angle measurements even under pressure and temperature conditions of the reservoir.

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Optimizing microemulsions with spinning drop tensiometry

Microemulsions are stable mixtures of water, oil, and surfactants. Unlike regular oil and water mixtures, they blend at a nanoscopic level to form a homogeneous fluid without energy input, which does not separate without chemical/physical measures. Microemulsions are especially useful in EOR because they can mobilize trapped oil that is left behind after traditional extraction methods. By reducing the tension between oil and water, more oil is swept out of the rock and into production.

One of the key properties that makes microemulsions so effective is their extremely low interfacial tension—sometimes reaching as low as 10⁻⁶ mN/m. Spinning drop tensiometers, like the SDT, are designed to measure these ultra-low values. This allows operators to find the right concentration and conditions for forming a microemulsion and make informed adjustments to the formulation, improving the efficiency of oil recovery.

Dive deeper into how ultralow interfacial tension impacts EOR in our application report.

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Foam-based techniques

Foam-based EOR methods are increasingly utilized to improve oil recovery by enhancing sweep efficiency and blocking unwanted gas channels. By injecting stable foam into reservoirs, operators can control fluid flow, reduce gas mobility, and optimize the displacement of oil from difficult-to-reach areas. The stability and structure of foam play a crucial role in maximizing EOR performance, and precise foam analysis ensures the ideal conditions for successful recovery.

Read our application report and learn about foam analysis under reservoir conditions.

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Increase the recovery rate with our instruments

Have a look at our selection of measuring instruments that help you understand rock wetting, emulsifiability, and foam behavior at standard and reservoir conditions in order to make your EOR methods more efficient.