Surfactant technology for improved hydrocarbon recovery in unconventional liquid reservoirs: a systematic literature review

Abstract

An unconventional liquid reservoir (ULR) is a type of underground geological deposit containing liquid hydrocarbons, such as crude oil, natural gas liquids, or condensate, not found in traditional oil and gas reservoirs. These formations have distinct properties that make oil and gas production more difficult than in typical reservoirs. Surfactants can be added to the fracking fluid to aid in the release of hydrocarbons. By reducing the amount of water and chemicals used in the process, surfactants can assist to reduce some of the negative environmental implications associated with fracking. In the current study, a systematic literature review was used to analyze and identify existing literature on surfactant technology in unconventional liquid reservoirs from the previous five years. 12 papers out of the 500 papers collected showed that studies had been performed and proved that surfactants can potentially increase the recovery of unconventional liquid reservoirs. The mechanism behind the positive outcome was concluded to be the alteration of wettability of reservoir rock and interfacial tension. Based on the conducted review, evaluation of the environmental impact from the use of surfactant and assessment of economic feasibility of surfactant technology in ULR could be the future research topics.