Abstract
In order to improve oil recovery, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques have been applied to several light and medium oil reservoirs. This research was directed towards the development of chemical flooding methods for such reservoirs. The main objective of this experimental work was to investigate the efficiency of introducing various types of Ionic Liquids (ILs), 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride [EMIM][Cl], 1-Benzyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride [BenzMIM][Cl], and Trihexyltetradecylphosphonium Chloride [THTDPh][Cl] on the Recovery Factor (RF) of medium oil (Weyburn oil, 30.25 API°) at room temperature. The series of flooding experiments were carried out by introducing a slug of IL mixtures. Results demonstrated that maximum oil recovery factor was obtained when [EMIM][Cl] was added in the displacing fluid. Further investigations have been conducted to examine the effect of ILs concentrations on the recovery mechanisms by measuring Surface Tension (SFT), pH, and viscosity of the displacing phases. Finally, the effect of theses ILs in wettability alteration was examined.
Highlights
Given the depletion of oil reservoir energy and the limited discovery of new reservoirs, petroleum researchers have begun seeking more efficient techniques; one of the most promising methods is Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR), which has been used over the last three decades
It has been concluded from Lafo et al (2013) studies that the brine viscosity increases by adding Trihexyl phosphonium chloride ionic liquid, which reduces the mobility ratio between heavy oil and brine, and results in a higher oil recovery [4]
The difference in oil recovery improvement could be due to the effect of Ionic Liquids on displacing phase viscosities, and surface tension as shown on Table 4
Summary
Given the depletion of oil reservoir energy and the limited discovery of new reservoirs, petroleum researchers have begun seeking more efficient techniques; one of the most promising methods is Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR), which has been used over the last three decades. Many studies have measured the properties of ionic liquids at different concentrations mixed either with water or other solvents. These investigations discovered that some ionic liquid types are capable of increasing mixture viscosity [2]. Kelkar and Maginn (2007) found that the effect of the ionic liquid on viscosity depends on its concentration in the mixture [3] It has been concluded from Lafo et al (2013) studies that the brine viscosity increases by adding Trihexyl phosphonium chloride ionic liquid, which reduces the mobility ratio between heavy oil and brine, and results in a higher oil recovery [4]. The CMC value can be determined either from measuring the IFT [9] or SFT [10]
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