A comprehensive review of emulsion and its field application for enhanced oil recovery. Issue 4 (26th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Yazhou; Yin, Daiyin; Chen, Wenlin; Liu, Bin; Zhang, Xiaoran
• Is Part Of: Energy science & engineering. Volume 7:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 1046
• Page End: 1058
• Publication Date: 2019-05-26
• Subjects: chemical flooding -- emulsion -- enhanced oil recovery -- oilfield application -- seepage characteristics; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Energy development -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1002/ese3.354
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-0505

Abstract

Abstract: Emulsification plays an important role in enhancing oil recovery. Experiments and field applications of alkali/surfactant/polymer (ASP) flooding indicated that the amount of oil recovery in liquids with emulsions is 5% higher than that in liquids with no emulsions. Therefore, it is of great significance to study emulsion and its field application for enhanced oil recovery. This paper discusses the current status of emulsion for enhanced oil recovery, including the formation mechanism of emulsions in chemical flooding, rheological properties, stability, seepage characteristics, emulsion improving sweep volume, and displacement efficiency, along with future development plans of emulsion for enhanced oil recovery, especially surfactants for chemical flooding. In addition, the Pickering emulsion for application in enhanced oil recovery is also discussed. The development effects of emulsion flooding have been discussed for the Midway‐Sunset Oilfield, the emulsification characteristics of ASP flooding have been analyzed in Xing‐V and Xing‐II of the Daqing Oilfield, and the experiences regarding emulsion for enhanced oil recovery have been summarized. The key research directions of emulsion for enhanced oil recovery are indicated. Abstract : Emulsification plays an important role in enhancing oil recovery. Although there have been developments, some fundamental aspects of emulsion seepage and the mechanism of emulsion enhancing oil recovery remain unclear. The emulsion formation mechanism, rheological properties, stability, seepage characteristics, and enhanced oil recovery are discussed in detail. The application of emulsion for enhanced oil recovery is analyzed, and the experiences from laboratory tests and field tests are summarized.