Iranian Journal of Oil and Gas Science and Technology

Abstract Recently, nanoparticles have been used to improve oil and gas production volume and enhance oil recovery (EOR). Based on our recent research, using nanoparticles such as silica and calcium oxide has a good potential for changing mechanisms in the porous media, such as interfacial tension and wettability. Low permeability carbonate plugs were selected to determine the application of nanoparticles in the porous media. Two main steps were used: 1) Using CaO and SiO₂ nanoparticles for wettability alteration, interfacial tension reduction, and improving fluid flow through porous media, and 2) Surveying the application of nanoparticles to the water alternating gas (WAG) (nanoparticles (NCs)-assisted WAG) test. The zeta potential values were stable at –56.4 ± 2 mV and –44.0 ± 3 mV for calcium oxide and silica nanoparticles, respectively, at an optimum nanoparticle concentration of 15 ppm. Calcium oxide and silica nanoparticles effectively altered the wettability from oil-wet to water-wet by surveying the intersection of two-phase relative permeability. Moreover, CaO nanoparticles performed better in low permeability carbonate porous media than SiO₂ nanoparticles regarding wettability alteration to water wetness. Based on the results and a better grade of CaO, it was selected for performing NCs-assisted WAG tests at WAG ratios of 1:1, 40 ℃, and 15 ppm. The recovery factor increased from 42.9% to 73% in the presence of CaO during NC-assisted WAG tests, and residual oil saturation decreased from 40.9% to 19.4%.

Abstract The primary purpose of this paper is to estimate and evaluate the petrophysical properties of the Ghar formation in the Hendijan and Bahregansar oilfields using a combination of seismic and well-log data. This study follows a step-by-step regression approach. First, sonic, density, and porosity well-log data are collected. Second, seismic attributes, including amplitude, phase, frequency, and acoustic impedance, are extracted from the seismic lines intersecting the wellbore locations. Then, using the MFLN and PNN intelligent systems, a relationship between porosity, shale volume, saturation, and seismic attributes is established. Using this relationship, the physical and petrophysical properties of the reservoir in the Ghar formation are estimated and evaluated. We estimated the reservoir porosity to be between 15% and 20%, higher in the Hendijan oilfield than in the Bahregansar oilfield. The water saturation in the Ghar formation varied from 25% to 30%. On the other hand, the clay content and shale volume of the Ghar formation in the Hendijan field were higher than those of the Bahregansar oil field.

Abstract The spontaneous imbibition of aquifer/injected brine is one of the main mechanisms of hydrocarbon recovery in the water-invaded zone of fractured reservoirs. Most rock types of fractured reservoirs are oil-wet carbonate. Thus, the simulation of spontaneous imbibition becomes more important when an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method such as modified salinity injection is applied for wettability alteration toward a more water-wet state. Since 1962, many scaling equations have been proposed to develop transfer functions and improve the simulation of spontaneous imbibition. Unfortunately, the majority of those proposed scaling equations are developed based on ideal conditions in the laboratory and, hence, have not considered the real conditions of a fractured reservoir. High temperature, rock oil-wettability, live oil properties, wettability alteration, lithology specification, and gravity force are among the important factors ignored in most of the developed scaling equations in the literature. The neglection of these effective elements can cause over- or under-estimation of hydrocarbon recovery by spontaneous imbibition. Therefore, this review discusses the advantages and limitations of scaling equations in the literature with a critical point of view and recommends many research topics for researchers interested in experimental works or data analysis in the  area of spontaneous imbibition. The ideal goal of decades of research in this area is to reach a general scaling equation with a special term for each specific lithology and EOR strategy.

Abstract The downstream petrochemical industries possess a significant competitive edge. Leveraging raw materials from the petrochemical sector, these industries are capable of manufacturing products that are both high in quality and low in maintenance requirements, thereby holding a substantial competitive advantage. Consequently, they present a promising avenue for bolstering the economic expansion and progression of the nation. Accordingly, the objective of this research is to formulate a strategic framework for advancement in Iran’s downstream petrochemical industries.

The research’s statistical universe encompasses the downstream sectors of Iran’s petrochemical industry. A dual-methodology approach, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative analyses, was employed to conduct the study. Within the qualitative domain, a thematic analysis was undertaken, which involved a foundational review of the extant literature and the procurement of insights from fifteen subject-matter experts through purposive sampling. The findings delineate a framework for expediting catch-up in Iran’s downstream petrochemical industries, comprising ten elements of capability enhancement, twenty-eight factors constituting windows of opportunity, twelve components delineating strategies and trajectories, and ultimately, fifteen elements indicative of success.

In the quantitative segment of the study, the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method was utilized to scrutinize the interrelations among the various components. This analysis was informed by the insights of five deliberately selected experts. The outcome of this inquiry revealed that abundant resources and requisite feedstocks are paramount in their influence on capabilities and potential.

Regarding the windows of opportunity, it was discerned that the expansive domestic market exerts the greatest impact. This factor is particularly influential in the context of alternative production paradigms, such as virtual or factory-less manufacturing. In culmination, predicated upon a consensus among experts and the most salient indicators, the strategy of virtual or factory-less production was advocated as a means to expedite catch-up in the downstream petrochemical industries.

Abstract Due to the limitations of existing natural gas fumigation systems, including the bypass and injection systems, there is a need for the design of a new system with fewer restrictions. This paper addresses this issue by conducting a thermodynamic analysis of the performance of a new system, called the ejector gas perfuming system, across a wide range of parameters, including primary gas pressure (Pg = 500-5500 kPa) and secondary gas pressure (Ps = 200-400 kPa). The results demonstrate that the ejector's performance is primarily influenced by two key factors: the pressure at the ejector's exit and the ejector's entrainment ratio. The findings indicate that the ejector performs optimally when Ps > 250 kPa and 1850 kPa ≤ Pg ≤ 5200 kPa. Outside of this range, its performance declines.

Abstract In recent years, the issue of burning fossil fuels and the resulting carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions have become a major concern. Various methods, including the synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME), have been proposed to address this issue. DME is considered a clean and sustainable fuel and is being regarded as an alternative to fossil fuels that can help reduce the emissions of harmful pollutants. This study assesses the cost of coproduction of dimethyl ether and electricity from the CO₂ flue gas of power plants. Producing this alternative fuel can reduce the power plant’s fuel consumption and environmental impacts while generating electricity. A feasibility study was conducted to integrate CO₂ recovery and utilization units from the flue gas of power plants for the synthesis of DME fuel using economic calculations in both direct and indirect methods. The total capital cost of establishing a DME production unit  was 2% higher through the direct method than the indirect method, due to the higher cost of equipment. Further, the cost of raw materials and utility was about 19% and 78% higher in the direct method than the indirect method, respectively, increasing the annual cost of DME production in this method by 52%.