The Impact of Electromagnetic Waves Propagation to the Dielectric Nanoparticles on Crude Oil Interfacial Tension Reduction for Oil Recovery: A Review

Abstract

The presence of interfacial tension (IFT) force between crude oil and other fluids in reservoirs is one of the critical parameters that restrict the effective mobility of the oil and is continuously entrapped in reservoir pores. Reducing binding forces between oil and such fluids is one of the methods employed to improve oil productivity known as enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Various nanoparticles (NPs) have been utilized to reduce IFT. However, NPs encountered a challenge in terms of successful operation under a high temperature. Consequently, the NPs tend to segregate at the oil/ water interface which diminishes the IFT influences and more oil continuously entrapped. Recently, an innovative approach to enhance oil mobility was proposed by activating the charges of the NPs via electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation. Few analyses were reported using dielectric NPs with reasonable reductions to IFT. The dielectric properties of NPs are essential attributes corresponding to EM waves. During the EM wave exposure, the extra disruptions were generated at the fluid/oil interface that function as activating agents for the NPs resulting in the additional reduction for IFT. The present study provides a comprehensive review of the few results available, challenges that confronted the success of this novel approach, and admirable recommendations to improve the process in the future.