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A Simulation Study of Nanoparticle Transport in Porous Media: Effects of Salinity and Reservoir Parameters

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman,Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering , Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Although experimental studies confirmed the effectiveness of nanoparticles in enhanced oil recovery applications, no comprehensive investigation has been carried out to reveal the effect of different subsurface factors on this improvement. Proper application of nanoparticles mainly depends on their ability to travel long distances within a reservoir without agglomeration, retention, and blocking the pore throats. This study strengthens our understanding of the effect of the main subsurface factors on the nanofluid-assisted enhanced oil recovery. To this end, a transport approach utilizing the kinetic Langmuir model is developed and validated using experimental data. After that, the effects of reservoir rock type and its properties (clay content and grain size), the salinity of injected fluid, and the reservoir temperature on the transport and retention of nanoparticles in porous media concerning enhanced oil recovery methods are investigated. Since the concentration of nanoparticles in the injected fluid and on the rock surface (as deposited) control the mobility and wettability alteration, the effect of subsurface factors and salinity of injected fluid on this deposition is also analyzed. The results showed that the rock type and its properties significantly affect the transport and retention of nanoparticles in porous media. Brine salinity also has the most significant impact on the amount of nanoparticles deposited on the rock surface. The surface covered by nanoparticles increased from 10% to 82% after changing salinity from 3 wt % NaCl to the API brine. 

Highlights

  • Transport and retention of nanoparticles determine the performance of EOR processes;
  • The effect of the main subsurface factors on the nanofluid-assisted EOR is examined;
  • The effect of the salinity of the injected fluid on the amount of nanoparticles deposition on rock surface is studied;
  • The degree of wettability alteration is related to the concentration of nanoparticles on the rock surface.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References
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Iranian Journal of Oil and Gas Science and Technology
Volume 10, Issue 2 - Serial Number 35
April 2021
Pages 90-106
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History
  • Receive Date: 13 March 2021
  • Revise Date: 11 April 2021
  • Accept Date: 05 May 2021
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