Abstract
Electromagnetic impact on oil reservoir manifests itself in various physical and chemical phenomena and attracts a significant scientific and technological interest. Microwave (MW) radiation heating can be more efficient for the oil recovery than heat transfer by convection or by thermal conduction. MW influence can also lead to significant changes in the physicochemical and rheological properties of oil caused by chemical processes of transformation of the oil high-molecular components such as resins and asphaltenes. The efficiency of transition-metal catalysts applied for the in-situ conversion of hydrocarbons directly in the reservoir might be significantly increased by exposing the oil formation to MW radiation. Actually, transition metals nanoparticles and their oxides are considered as active absorbers of MW radiation and; therefore, they can be used to intensify MW impact on the reservoir. Catalyst particles dispersed in the formation provide enhanced MW sweep. Taken together, the functioning of the catalysts and the effect of microwave radiation provide deep conversion of resins and asphaltenes, a decrease in the viscosity of the produced oil and an increase in oil recovery factor, along with a decrease in water cut of the well production. The present review analyzes the latest works on the combined application of microwave exposure and dispersed catalysts. In addition, this review discusses the prospects and perspectives of practical application of electromagnetic heating to enhance heavy oil recovery in the presence of nanoparticles.
Highlights
Nowadays, the amount of unconventional oil reserves is greater than that of conventional oils
There is a wide range of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods and they may be classified as thermal, chemical or even physical based on the followed technology during their application
All the aforementioned works point toward the important practical significance of using microwave heating in industrial processes and express the potential effect that may generate in the field of enhancing heavy oil and shale oil recovery
Summary
The amount of unconventional oil reserves is greater than that of conventional oils. All the aforementioned works point toward the important practical significance of using microwave heating in industrial processes and express the potential effect that may generate in the field of enhancing heavy oil and shale oil recovery.
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