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University of Wyoming

CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery

Description:

CO2 EOR techniques involve injection of CO2 gas into a mature oil reservoir. If injected at sufficient pressures the CO2 mixes with the residual oil thus decreasing its viscosity. Application of CO2 EOR techniques has been limited in the past primarily due to two factors: the lack of nearby CO2 sources and excessive volatility in oil prices. In this new world environment wherein oil prices are high and CO2 EOR provides a home for large amounts of captured CO2, an exciting growth environment should materialize as new CO2 sources are developed.

Benefits to producers:

CO2 EOR techniques hold great promise for producers in Wyoming, as a successful application of CO2 EOR can result in ~15% incremental oil production.

EORI activities:

CO2 EOR is one of the cornerstone technologies under investigation in the EORI. Researchers within the institute are able to conduct complete reservoir flow modeling to accurately predict the amount of CO2 required and the amount of incremental oil produced from any given field reservoir combination. Other workers within the institute are investigating peripheral aspects associated with the technology such as pipeline infrastructure issues and the cross-over with Carbon Capture and Sequestration, in terms of complimentary technologies, economics, policy and risk.

 

Links:

The Nuts and Bolts of CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery - Steve Melzer, Melzer Consulting

Department of Energy CO2 EOR article

Department of Energy CO2 EOR Webpage

 

Contact:

Geoff Thyne