Abstract
The application of ultrasound energy in improving oil recovery is an emerging technique, it has been tested in laboratories and some field applications in different parts of the world. In this study, Nigerian crude oil of 4.21 cSt viscosity and sandstone rock samples were tested using a designed and constructed experimental rig. The rig is an analogue of a standard core flooding set up and works on the principle of fluid flow in porous media. Furthermore, a modeled equation was developed to better understand the effects of power and time on the volume of oil recovered at a constant ultrasound frequency. Results obtained show a positive impact in the recovery of residual oil during waterflooding with the assisted ultrasound energy. About 2-fold increase in the recovery of oil was observed when the ultrasound energy was applied to augment the waterflooding process. Model equations developed were found to be adequate because the adjusted and predicted R-squared values show reasonable agreement (R-adjusted = 0.9993, R-Predicted = 0.9974).
Highlights
The application of ultrasound energy in improving oil recovery is an emerging technique, it has been tested in laboratories and some field applications in different parts of the world
Several research works have been conducted to increase oil recovery after the secondary recovery is no longer economical. Those methods used to improve oil recovery after the secondary recovery are referred to as enhanced oil recovery methods or tertiary oil recovery methods
Because of the challenges associated with chemical and other conventional enhanced oil recovery methods; there are many researches on the use of electrical method to improve the oil recovery, and it was found to be efficient, low cost and less risk [4]
Summary
The application of ultrasound energy in improving oil recovery is an emerging technique, it has been tested in laboratories and some field applications in different parts of the world. Several research works have been conducted to increase oil recovery after the secondary recovery is no longer economical Those methods used to improve oil recovery after the secondary recovery are referred to as enhanced oil recovery methods or tertiary oil recovery methods. Accepted enhanced oil recovery methods by Exploration and Production Companies are chemical flooding, thermal method and miscible gas method [2], [3]. Chemicals are commonly used to improve water flooding by reducing the challenges and drawbacks [3]. Because of the challenges associated with chemical and other conventional enhanced oil recovery methods; there are many researches on the use of electrical method to improve the oil recovery, and it was found to be efficient, low cost and less risk [4].
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