Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques in unconventional reservoirs, focusing on a comparative study to enhance understanding and application in the petroleum engineering field. As the global demand for energy continues to rise, the exploration and production of hydrocarbons from unconventional reservoirs have become increasingly vital. However, the recovery efficiency from such reservoirs remains a challenge due to their complex geological characteristics. This study aims to evaluate and compare various EOR techniques to improve hydrocarbon recovery rates and optimize production in unconventional reservoirs. The research begins with an introduction outlining the background of the study, the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definitions of key terms. Chapter two presents a comprehensive literature review, analyzing ten key studies on EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs to provide a theoretical framework for the research. Chapter three details the research methodology, covering aspects such as research design, data collection methods, sample selection criteria, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations. This chapter also includes a discussion on the challenges and limitations encountered during the research process. Chapter four presents the findings of the comparative study on EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs. The discussion delves into the effectiveness of various methods, including chemical, thermal, and gas injection techniques, in enhancing oil recovery rates. The analysis considers factors such as reservoir permeability, fluid properties, and operational costs to determine the most suitable EOR technique for different types of unconventional reservoirs. In the final chapter, chapter five, the thesis concludes with a summary of the key findings, implications for the petroleum engineering industry, and recommendations for future research. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs, providing valuable insights for engineers, researchers, and industry professionals seeking to optimize hydrocarbon recovery in challenging geological environments. Overall, this thesis serves as a comprehensive investigation into Enhanced Oil Recovery techniques in unconventional reservoirs, offering a comparative analysis that advances understanding and practical application in the field of petroleum engineering.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques in Unconventional Reservoirs: A Comparative Study" aims to investigate and compare different methods of enhancing oil recovery in unconventional reservoirs. Unconventional reservoirs, such as shale formations and tight sandstones, typically have lower recovery rates compared to conventional reservoirs. This study seeks to address this challenge by analyzing and comparing various enhanced oil recovery techniques to determine their effectiveness in maximizing oil production from these reservoirs. The research will begin with a comprehensive review of the background information related to unconventional reservoirs, including their characteristics, challenges, and the current state of enhanced oil recovery techniques employed in such reservoirs. This will provide the necessary context for understanding the significance of the study and the rationale behind comparing different recovery methods. The project will identify the specific problem statement related to the low recovery rates in unconventional reservoirs and outline the objectives of the study, which include evaluating the performance of various enhanced oil recovery techniques, identifying the most effective methods, and providing recommendations for optimizing oil recovery in unconventional reservoirs. Furthermore, the study will define the scope and limitations of the research to clarify the boundaries within which the investigation will be conducted. This will help ensure that the study remains focused and provides meaningful insights into the topic. Additionally, the research will highlight the significance of the study by emphasizing the potential impact of improving oil recovery rates in unconventional reservoirs on the oil and gas industry as a whole. The structure of the thesis will be outlined to provide a roadmap for the reader, indicating how the research will be organized and the flow of information from one chapter to the next. This will help maintain coherence and clarity throughout the thesis, making it easier for the reader to follow the research methodology, results, and conclusions presented. Overall, this comparative study on enhanced oil recovery techniques in unconventional reservoirs aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of petroleum engineering by evaluating and comparing different methods to optimize oil production from challenging reservoirs. By conducting a thorough analysis and comparison of these techniques, this research seeks to provide practical recommendations for improving recovery rates and maximizing the economic potential of unconventional reservoirs in the oil and gas industry.