Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques play a crucial role in maximizing oil production from mature oil fields. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution to enhance oil recovery efficiency by improving oil displacement and sweep efficiency in reservoirs. This thesis explores the application of nanotechnology in enhancing oil recovery techniques for mature oil fields. The introduction provides an overview of the significance of EOR in the oil and gas industry, highlighting the challenges faced in mature oil fields and the potential of nanotechnology to address these challenges. The background of the study delves into the evolution of EOR techniques and the emergence of nanotechnology as a disruptive technology in the oil and gas sector. The problem statement identifies the gaps in current EOR practices and the need for innovative solutions to improve oil recovery in mature fields. The objectives of the study are to investigate the effectiveness of nanotechnology in enhancing oil recovery, evaluate different nanomaterials for EOR applications, and assess the economic feasibility of implementing nanotechnology in mature oil fields. The study also outlines the limitations and scope of the research, highlighting the constraints and boundaries within which the study operates. The literature review synthesizes existing research on EOR techniques and nanotechnology applications in the oil and gas industry. Ten key areas are explored, including nanofluids for improved oil displacement, nanoparticle transport mechanisms in porous media, and the role of nanotechnology in reducing interfacial tension for enhanced oil recovery. The research methodology section outlines the approach taken to investigate the research questions, including experimental studies, numerical simulations, and economic analysis. Eight key components are discussed, such as nanomaterial synthesis techniques, core flooding experiments, and reservoir simulation models for evaluating EOR performance. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the research, including the impact of nanotechnology on oil recovery efficiency, the effectiveness of different nanomaterials in EOR applications, and the economic benefits of implementing nanotechnology in mature oil fields. Key insights and implications are discussed in detail. Finally, the conclusion and summary chapter provide a comprehensive overview of the research outcomes, highlighting the contributions of this study to the field of petroleum engineering. The key findings, challenges, and recommendations for future research are summarized, emphasizing the potential of nanotechnology in revolutionizing EOR practices for mature oil fields. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on EOR techniques and nanotechnology applications in the oil and gas industry. The findings of this study have significant implications for enhancing oil recovery efficiency in mature oil fields and advancing sustainable energy production practices.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques for Mature Oil Fields using Nanotechnology" aims to investigate and implement advanced nanotechnology-based methods to enhance oil recovery in mature oil fields. Mature oil fields are those that have been in production for an extended period and are typically characterized by declining production rates and increasing operational challenges. Traditional oil recovery methods often leave a significant portion of the original oil in place, leading to suboptimal resource utilization. Nanotechnology offers promising solutions to improve oil recovery efficiency by enhancing the displacement of oil from reservoir rocks and improving fluid flow dynamics. By leveraging the unique properties of nanomaterials, such as their high surface area, reactivity, and transport properties, it is possible to design innovative approaches to mobilize and extract trapped oil effectively. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to explore existing knowledge and technologies related to enhanced oil recovery and nanotechnology applications in the oil and gas industry. This review will provide a solid foundation for understanding the current state of the art, identifying gaps in knowledge, and determining the most promising nanotechnology-based approaches for mature oil field applications. The subsequent research methodology will involve experimental investigations to evaluate the performance of selected nanomaterials in enhancing oil recovery efficiency. This will include laboratory-scale tests to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of various nanotechnology-based techniques, such as nanoparticle flooding, surfactant-assisted methods, and smart fluid formulations. The findings obtained from the experimental studies will be analyzed and discussed in detail in the results and discussion chapter. The research aims to demonstrate the potential of nanotechnology to improve oil recovery rates, increase production yields, and optimize reservoir management strategies for mature oil fields. The discussion will also address the practical challenges, limitations, and implications of implementing nanotechnology-enhanced oil recovery techniques in real-world field applications. Finally, the research will conclude with a summary of key findings, implications for the oil and gas industry, and recommendations for future research directions. The project outcomes are expected to contribute valuable insights and practical solutions to address the challenges associated with mature oil field operations and enhance the overall sustainability and productivity of oil recovery processes.