Novel Enhanced Oil Recovery Method Using Co²⁺_xFe²⁺_1-xFe³⁺₂O₄ as Magnetic Nanoparticles Activated by Electromagnetic Waves

Abstract

Research on the application of nanoparticles, specifically magnetic nanoparticles in enhanced oil recovery has been increasing in recent years due to their potential to increase the oil production despite having to interact with reservoirs of high salinity, high pressure and temperature and un-natural pH. Unlike other conventional EOR agents e.g. surfactants and polymers, a harsh environment will cause degradation and failure to operate. Magnetic nanoparticles which are activated by a magnetic field are anticipated to have the ability to travel far into the oil reservoir and assist in the displacement of the trapped oil. In this work, ferromagnetic Co2+xFe2+1-xFe3+2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized for their morphological, structural and magnetic properties. At a composition x = 0.75, this nanomaterial shows its best magnetisation parameters i.e. highest value of saturation magnetization, remanence and coercivity of 65.23 emu/g, 12.18 emu/g and 239.10 Oe, respectively. Subsequently, a dispersion of 0.01 wt% Co2+0.75Fe2+0.25Fe3+2O4 nanoparticles in distilled water was used for core flooding test to validate its feasibility in enhanced oil recovery. In a core flooding test, the effect of electromagnetic waves irradiation to activate the magnetization of Co2+0.75Fe2+0.25Fe3+2O4 nanofluid was also investigated by irradiating a 78 MHz square wave to the porous medium while nanofluid injection was taking place. In conclusion, an almost 20% increment in the recovery of oil was obtained with the application of electromagnetic waves in 2 pore volumes injection of a Co2+0.75Fe2+0.25Fe3+2O4 nanofluid.

Experimental Study of Electromagnetic-Assisted Rare-Earth Doped Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) Nanofluids on Wettability and Interfacial Tension Alteration

“…In a simulation study [10], high magnetic susceptibility nanoparticles were recommended as the magnetic perturbation caused by nanoparticles within the pore wall will facilitate oil blob detachment, thus improving the oil recovery rate. As in Soleimani et al [11], higher magnetic susceptibility nanoparticles show better oil recovery rate in a core flooding test under EM wave irradiance.…”

Comprehensive Review on the Role of Nanoparticles and Nanofluids in Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery: Interfacial Phenomenon, Compatibility, Scalability, and Economic Viability

“…However, a variety of factors, including NPs size, concentration, electromagnetic radiation frequency, etc., influence oil recovery. 84 As specified by Ryoo et al 85 magnetic NPs adsorb at the oil−rock interface in the vicinity of fluctuating magnetic fields, which is advantageous for changing wettability. It is believed that higher oil recovery will occur because a wettability change of the reservoir rock is a crucial occurrence.…”

Wettability and Interfacial Tension Alteration of Rare-Earth Doped Yttrium Iron Garnet under Influence of Electromagnetic Waves

“…Soares et al (2014) simulation study, high magnetic susceptibility nanoparticles were recommended as the magnetic perturbation caused by nanoparticles within the pore wall will facilitate oil blob detachment, thus improving the oil recovery rate. As studied by Soleimani et al (2014), higher magnetic susceptibility nanoparticles shown better oil recovery rate in a core flooding test under EM wave irradiance.…”