Optimizing CO2 sequestration in Vapor Extraction Process: A Meso-Scale analysis of oil Viscosity, Permeability, and mobile oil orientation effects

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) use in Vapor Extraction (VAPEX) has attracted attention for its potential to enhance oil recovery by altering oil density and viscosity, leading to convective-mixing flow in the VAPEX boundary layer. This study explores CO2 sequestration via dissolution into this layer, with a focus on the impact of oil viscosity, permeability, and mobile oil orientation. An isothermal lattice Boltzmann model, which accounts for the variable oil properties like viscosity and diffusion coefficient dependent on dissolved CO2 concentration, was developed for the analysis. Results show that reduced oil viscosity leads to accelerated growth of density fingers and an expanded area swept by CO2 dissolution. Similarly, heightened permeability and mobile oil angle contribute to these effects. This research provides novel insights into optimizing CO2 sequestration within the VAPEX process.