Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The global demand for oil continues to rise, prompting the industry to explore innovative ways to maximize oil recovery from mature oil fields. This thesis presents a comprehensive study on enhanced oil recovery techniques for mature oil fields, focusing on a comparative analysis of various methods to identify the most effective strategies for improving oil production. The research is motivated by the need to enhance the recovery factor of mature oil fields, which typically have lower primary recovery rates due to depleted reservoir pressure and other factors. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The chapter sets the stage for the study by highlighting the importance of enhancing oil recovery in mature oil fields and the need for comparative analysis to identify the most suitable techniques. Chapter 2 consists of a detailed literature review that examines existing studies, theories, and practices related to enhanced oil recovery techniques in mature oil fields. The chapter covers ten key areas, including water flooding, gas injection, chemical flooding, thermal methods, and emerging technologies, providing a comprehensive overview of the different approaches used in the industry. Chapter 3 discusses the research methodology employed in this study, outlining the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and quality assurance measures. The chapter also addresses ethical considerations and limitations to ensure the validity and reliability of the research findings. Chapter 4 presents the findings of the comparative analysis of enhanced oil recovery techniques in mature oil fields. The chapter discusses the effectiveness of each method in improving oil recovery, considering factors such as recovery factor, cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and operational challenges. The findings provide valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of each technique, guiding the selection of the most suitable approach for specific field conditions. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing the implications for the industry, and providing recommendations for future research and practical applications. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on enhanced oil recovery in mature oil fields, offering valuable insights for oil companies, researchers, and policymakers seeking to optimize oil production and extend the life of mature oil fields. Overall, this thesis enhances understanding of enhanced oil recovery techniques for mature oil fields through a comparative study, highlighting the importance of selecting the most effective strategies to maximize oil production and achieve sustainable energy development goals.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques for Mature Oil Fields: A Comparative Study" focuses on investigating and comparing different methods of enhancing oil recovery in mature oil fields. Mature oil fields are characterized by declining production rates and the need for advanced techniques to extract remaining oil reserves efficiently. This research aims to address this challenge by evaluating various enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques to optimize production and increase oil yield in mature fields. The study will begin with an in-depth review of the background of mature oil fields, highlighting the challenges associated with declining production rates and the importance of implementing EOR techniques to maximize oil recovery. The problem statement will emphasize the significance of finding cost-effective and environmentally sustainable methods to extract oil from mature fields. The objectives of the study will be outlined to provide a clear roadmap for the research process. The research will focus on comparing different EOR techniques such as water flooding, gas injection, chemical flooding, thermal methods, and microbial EOR. Each method will be evaluated based on its effectiveness in enhancing oil recovery, cost implications, environmental impact, and feasibility for implementation in mature oil fields. The literature review will delve into existing studies and case studies on EOR techniques, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field. The methodology section will detail the research approach, data collection methods, and analytical techniques employed to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of various EOR techniques. The study will involve field studies, laboratory experiments, and simulation models to assess the performance of different methods in mature oil fields. The research will also consider economic factors, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements influencing the implementation of EOR techniques. The findings from the research will be presented in chapter four, analyzing the results of the comparative study and highlighting the strengths and limitations of each EOR technique. The discussion will provide insights into the most effective methods for enhancing oil recovery in mature fields, considering factors such as reservoir characteristics, oil viscosity, and well conditions. In the conclusion and summary chapter, the key findings of the study will be summarized, and recommendations for the industry and future research will be provided. The research aims to contribute to the knowledge base of EOR techniques for mature oil fields, offering practical insights for oil companies and policymakers to optimize production and extend the life of mature fields sustainably.