Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques play a crucial role in maximizing hydrocarbon production from unconventional reservoirs in petroleum engineering. This thesis explores various EOR methods tailored for unconventional reservoirs, aiming to improve recovery rates and optimize production. The research focuses on the challenges associated with unconventional reservoirs and investigates how innovative EOR strategies can address these challenges effectively. Chapter One introduces the research by providing background information on unconventional reservoirs, highlighting the importance of EOR techniques in enhancing oil recovery. The problem statement identifies the gaps in current EOR practices for unconventional reservoirs, leading to the research objectives that seek to develop and evaluate advanced EOR methods. The limitations and scope of the study are outlined, emphasizing the significance of the research in the field of petroleum engineering. The chapter concludes with an overview of the thesis structure and definitions of key terms. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review that examines existing EOR techniques for unconventional reservoirs. The review covers ten key areas, including reservoir characterization, fluid properties, rock-fluid interactions, EOR mechanisms, and field applications. By synthesizing existing knowledge, this chapter provides a foundation for understanding the current state of EOR practices in unconventional reservoirs. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study. The methodology includes eight components, such as data collection methods, experimental design, simulation techniques, and analytical tools. These methodologies are designed to investigate the effectiveness of different EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs and assess their potential for improving oil recovery rates. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the research findings derived from the application of various EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs. The chapter analyzes the results obtained from laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and case studies to evaluate the performance of different EOR methods. The findings offer insights into the efficacy and feasibility of implementing these techniques in real-world applications. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, implications, and contributions of the research. The conclusion highlights the significance of EOR techniques in enhancing oil recovery from unconventional reservoirs and proposes recommendations for further research and practical implementation. By addressing the challenges and opportunities in EOR for unconventional reservoirs, this thesis aims to advance the knowledge and application of innovative techniques in petroleum engineering. In conclusion, this thesis provides a comprehensive investigation into enhanced oil recovery techniques for unconventional reservoirs in petroleum engineering. By exploring the challenges, opportunities, and advancements in EOR practices, this research contributes valuable insights to the field and offers practical recommendations for optimizing oil production from unconventional reservoirs.

Thesis Overview

The project "Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques for Unconventional Reservoirs in Petroleum Engineering" aims to investigate and analyze innovative methods for improving oil recovery from unconventional reservoirs. Unconventional reservoirs, such as tight oil and gas formations, shale plays, and heavy oil deposits, present unique challenges due to their low permeability and complex geological characteristics. Traditional oil recovery techniques are often inefficient in these reservoirs, leading to low primary recovery rates. The research will focus on exploring advanced enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques specifically tailored for unconventional reservoirs. This includes investigating the application of technologies such as hydraulic fracturing, steam injection, chemical flooding, and gas injection to enhance oil production from these challenging reservoirs. By studying the effectiveness of these methods in different types of unconventional reservoirs, the project aims to identify the most suitable EOR techniques for maximizing oil recovery. Furthermore, the research will assess the economic viability and environmental impact of implementing these enhanced oil recovery techniques in unconventional reservoirs. Cost-effective solutions that can improve oil recovery rates while minimizing environmental consequences will be a key focus of the study. Additionally, the project will examine the regulatory and operational challenges associated with implementing EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs and propose strategies for overcoming these hurdles. Overall, this research seeks to contribute to the advancement of petroleum engineering by providing valuable insights into the optimization of oil recovery from unconventional reservoirs. The findings of this study are expected to benefit the oil and gas industry by offering practical recommendations for enhancing oil production efficiency in challenging reservoirs, ultimately leading to increased energy resource recovery and improved sustainability in the petroleum sector.