The Influence of Hydrophobic Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Concentration on Enhanced Oil Recovery

Abstract

One of the main challenges facing the oil and gas industry is the need to develop novel techniques forenhanced oil recovery (EOR). In this study, nanofluid injection was proven to be potential tool for increasing oil recovery. Experiments were conducted to examine the impact of multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) concentration on recovery efficiency and fluid mobility. BET analysis was used to investigate the surface area of MWCNTs. High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) was used to provide morphological description, and to evaluate the physio-chemical surface properties of the MWCNTs based on contact angle. Nanofluids of three different concentrations (0.01, 0.05 and 0.10wt. %) were prepared from the MWCNTs. A water flooding experiment was then carried out to assess the impact of the nanofluid. From the results of, the MWCNTs fluid was found to be a good EOR agent. The highest recovery efficiency 31.8% of residual oil in place (ROIP) was achieved with the nanofluid of 0.05wt.% MWCNTs concentration. However, by observing the values of mobility reduction factor (MRF) used to investigate the fluid behaviour, it can be concluded that the behaviour of hydrophobic MWCNTs in water fluid is unpredictable.