Abstract
The application of nanotechnology in the oil industry has become a useful approach in oil production. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effects of nanofluids on the recovery of heavy crude oil compared to water flooding. The nanofluids are prepared by the addition of pure and mixed nanoparticles; Silicon oxide, Aluminum oxide, Nickel oxide, and Titanium oxide at different concentrations to the saline water. The prepared nanofluids were screened to determine the suitable type for the heavy oil and rock samples subjected to the study. The effects of nanofluids on the interfacial tension and emulsion viscosity were also investigated. Nanofluids flooding tests were performed on heavy oil sample of 17.45 API using Berea Sandstone core samples with an average air permeability of 184 mD, a liquid permeability of 60 mD, and a porosity of 20%. After selecting the recommended type of nanofluid, additional tests were performed including the effects on asphaltene precipitation using a flow assurance system. The experimental results show that, the Aluminum oxide nanofluid at a concentration of 0.05 wt.% reduced the emulsion viscosity by 25%. The mixed nanofluid of Silicon and Aluminum oxide at 0.05 wt.% showed the highest incremental oil recovery among the other nanofluids. This nanofluid is expected to be the best type of chemical flooding due to its performance under reservoir condition (high pressure, temperature, and water salinity) and its capability to oppose asphaltene precipitation.
