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University of Wyoming

Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery

 

Description:

The Chemical Methods Unit (CMU) sponsored by EORI helps to fulfill the mission of the Institute through research and service activities by using traditional and new Enhanced-Oil Recovery (EOR) chemical methods. This project uses the Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer (ASP) process to serve as the paradigm for Chemical EOR processes. The ASP process exploits the synergy of components in the ASP blend to optimize (diminish) the overall use of chemicals, to simultaneously provide mobility control, reduction of residual oil saturation (mobilizing capillary trapped oil) by the combined action of the surfactant and the alkali, and reduction of surfactant use by mitigating adsorption in the reservoir rock. Wyoming enjoys a successful recent history of Chemical Flooding applications leading to substantial additional oil recovery. Table 1 summarizes a classical view of the individual contributions of the ASP components.

 

Table 1.

Click to enlarge

 

Benefits to producers:

  • A compendium of field experiences in Wyoming
  • Screening procedures to determine the feasibility of chemical flooding in a reservoir or portfolio
  • Access to a state-of-the art coreflooding facility to evaluate recovery potential
  • Networking with experts on Chemical Flooding

 

EORI activities and Deliverables:

At present, the CMU is working to:

  • Develop screening methods specific to Wyoming conditions
  • Set up a facility for fluid-fluid interaction evaluations and coreflooding tests
  • To provide a state-of-the-art review on Chemical Flooding field experiences
  • Research chemical method alternatives applicable to more complex rock-fluid combinations.

The CMU benefits for advanced facilities available in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Wyoming. Partnership with operators in Wyoming is welcome. This will allow the CMU to further the mission of the Enhanced-Oil Recovery Institute.

 

Links:

Overview of Chemical Flooding - Dr. Gary Pope, UT Austin

Single Well Chemical Tracer Testing - Charlie Carlisle, Chemical Tracers, Inc.

Contact:

Vladimir Alvarado

Xina Xie