Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques play a crucial role in maximizing hydrocarbon production from mature oil fields. This thesis presents a comparative study of various EOR techniques to assess their effectiveness in improving oil recovery from mature reservoirs. The research methodology involved a comprehensive literature review to analyze the current state-of-the-art EOR technologies and their application in mature oil fields. The study focused on ten key EOR methods, including chemical flooding, gas injection, thermal methods, and microbial EOR, among others. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance of the study, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter 2 presents a detailed literature review of existing studies and advancements in EOR techniques for mature oil fields. The review highlights the principles, applications, advantages, and limitations of each EOR method, setting the foundation for the comparative analysis. In Chapter 3, the research methodology is described, including the selection criteria for the comparative study, data collection methods, analysis techniques, and simulation models used to evaluate the performance of EOR techniques. The chapter also discusses the challenges and considerations in conducting comparative assessments of EOR methods in mature oil fields. Chapter 4 presents the findings of the comparative study, analyzing the effectiveness of each EOR technique in terms of oil recovery efficiency, production rates, cost implications, and environmental impact. The discussion delves into the technical feasibility, operational challenges, and reservoir-specific factors influencing the performance of EOR methods in mature oil fields. Finally, Chapter 5 offers a comprehensive conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications for the industry, and recommendations for future research. The study underscores the importance of selecting the most suitable EOR technique based on reservoir characteristics, economic viability, and environmental considerations to optimize oil recovery from mature oil fields. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the ongoing research in EOR technologies by providing a comparative analysis of techniques tailored for mature oil fields. The insights gained from this study can aid petroleum engineers, reservoir managers, and decision-makers in selecting the most effective EOR strategies to enhance oil production from mature reservoirs while addressing economic and environmental challenges.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques for Mature Oil Fields: A Comparative Study" aims to investigate and compare various enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques specifically tailored for mature oil fields. Mature oil fields are characterized by declining production rates and reservoir pressures, making it challenging to extract the remaining oil efficiently. This research seeks to address this challenge by evaluating different EOR methods to determine their effectiveness in enhancing oil recovery in mature fields. The overview will include a comprehensive literature review of existing EOR techniques such as thermal methods (steam injection, in-situ combustion), chemical methods (polymer flooding, surfactant flooding), and gas-based methods (CO2 injection, gas flooding). The study will analyze the principles, applications, advantages, and limitations of each technique to provide a solid foundation for the comparative analysis. Furthermore, the research methodology will involve data collection from case studies and field trials of EOR projects in mature oil fields worldwide. This will include reservoir characteristics, production data, implementation strategies, and success rates of different EOR techniques. By synthesizing this information, the study aims to identify best practices and key factors that contribute to the successful application of EOR methods in mature oil fields. The comparative analysis will involve evaluating the economic viability, technical feasibility, and environmental impact of each EOR technique. Factors such as capital investment, operating costs, oil recovery efficiency, and environmental considerations will be assessed to determine the most cost-effective and sustainable solution for enhancing oil recovery in mature fields. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights for oil and gas companies, reservoir engineers, and policymakers involved in managing mature oil fields. By offering a comparative analysis of EOR techniques, this study aims to contribute to the development of innovative strategies for maximizing oil production and extending the life of mature oil fields in a sustainable and efficient manner.