Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The optimization of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques in unconventional reservoirs has become a critical area of research in the petroleum engineering field. Unconventional reservoirs, such as tight oil and gas formations, shale formations, and coalbed methane reservoirs, present unique challenges due to their complex geological characteristics and low primary recovery rates. This thesis aims to investigate and propose innovative strategies to enhance oil recovery from unconventional reservoirs through optimization techniques. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, background information on EOR techniques, a detailed problem statement, research objectives, limitations, scope, significance of the study, structure of the thesis, and definitions of key terms related to the research. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review on EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs. The chapter discusses ten key concepts, including the types of unconventional reservoirs, existing EOR methods, challenges in implementing EOR in unconventional reservoirs, and recent advancements in the field. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study. It includes detailed descriptions of the research design, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, simulation models used, laboratory experiments conducted, field trials, and any other methodologies utilized to achieve the research objectives. Chapter Four presents a thorough discussion of the findings obtained from the research. This chapter delves into the optimization strategies proposed, the results of numerical simulations and experiments, comparisons between different EOR techniques, economic evaluations, environmental impact assessments, and the practical implications of the findings. Chapter Five serves as the conclusion and summary of the thesis. It provides a recap of the research objectives, a summary of the key findings, implications for the petroleum industry, recommendations for future research, and conclusions drawn from the study. The chapter also reflects on the significance of the research in advancing the field of enhanced oil recovery in unconventional reservoirs. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the knowledge base of petroleum engineering by offering innovative solutions for optimizing enhanced oil recovery techniques in unconventional reservoirs. The research findings and recommendations have the potential to enhance oil production rates, improve reservoir performance, and increase the economic viability of extracting hydrocarbons from challenging unconventional reservoirs.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Optimization of Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques in Unconventional Reservoirs" aims to address the challenges and opportunities associated with maximizing oil recovery from unconventional reservoirs. Unconventional reservoirs, such as shale and tight formations, have become increasingly important sources of hydrocarbons globally. However, the complex geological characteristics of these reservoirs pose significant challenges to efficient oil recovery. The primary objective of this research is to optimize enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques specifically tailored for unconventional reservoirs. EOR methods, including gas injection, chemical flooding, and thermal recovery, play a crucial role in improving oil recovery rates beyond primary and secondary production stages. By enhancing the understanding of the reservoir characteristics and fluid behavior unique to unconventional formations, this study aims to develop tailored EOR strategies that can maximize oil production while minimizing costs and environmental impact. The research will involve a comprehensive literature review to analyze existing EOR techniques and their applicability to unconventional reservoirs. By identifying the limitations and potential improvements of current methods, the study will lay the foundation for developing innovative EOR strategies that are specifically optimized for unconventional reservoir conditions. Furthermore, the research methodology will include laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and field studies to validate the effectiveness of the proposed EOR techniques. By integrating theoretical analyses with practical applications, the study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the factors influencing oil recovery in unconventional reservoirs. The findings of this research are expected to contribute significantly to the field of petroleum engineering by advancing the knowledge and practical implementation of EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs. By optimizing oil recovery processes in these challenging formations, the research seeks to enhance energy security, economic viability, and environmental sustainability within the oil and gas industry. In conclusion, the project "Optimization of Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques in Unconventional Reservoirs" represents a critical endeavor to address the growing demand for efficient oil production from unconventional sources. Through a systematic and innovative approach, this research aims to unlock the full potential of unconventional reservoirs and pave the way for sustainable hydrocarbon extraction in the future.