Literature Review of Nanotechnology in the Enhanced Oil Recovery.

Abstract

In recent studies, there has been an increasing focus on Nanoparticles Enhanced Oil Recovery (NPEOR). NPEOR is a method that was initially developed to improve microscopic and macroscopic displacement efficiency. In some recent applications NP have been assisted the conventional EOR methods such as a polymer, surfactant, and Co2 flooding, with the purpose of increasing the oil recovery. In this literature, the abilities to use NP in EOR are investigated. The function of different types of NP, different types of Dispersing agents, availability of nanomaterials in the lab, the effect of nanoparticles to change the properties, future challenges and concerns about the NP, are reviewed. However, the stability of suspensions of NP is still the most barrier to use NP in EOR. Upcoming studies are necessary to focus on the outcome of the appropriate techniques of NP to improve their stability under the worst conditions of reservoirs and investigate new types of nanoparticles.