Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques for Unconventional Reservoirs in Petroleum Engineering

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques for Unconventional Reservoirs in Petroleum Engineering" focuses on addressing the challenges associated with increasing oil production from unconventional reservoirs. Unconventional reservoirs, such as tight oil formations, shale gas, and heavy oil sands, have become increasingly important sources of hydrocarbons due to the decline in conventional oil reserves. However, extracting oil from these reservoirs poses unique technical and economic challenges that require innovative solutions. This research aims to explore and evaluate enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques specifically tailored for unconventional reservoirs. EOR techniques are advanced methods used to increase the ultimate recovery of oil from a reservoir beyond what can be achieved through primary and secondary recovery methods. By studying and implementing EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs, the project seeks to improve oil production rates, maximize resource utilization, and enhance overall reservoir performance. Key aspects of the research will include a comprehensive literature review of existing EOR techniques applied in unconventional reservoirs. This review will analyze the effectiveness of various methods such as steam injection, gas injection, chemical flooding, and microbial EOR in improving oil recovery from unconventional formations. The project will also investigate the geologic and reservoir characteristics that influence the selection and implementation of EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs. Furthermore, the research methodology will involve conducting laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and field studies to assess the feasibility and performance of selected EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs. Data analysis and modeling will be used to optimize the application of EOR methods and predict their impact on oil recovery factors such as sweep efficiency, displacement efficiency, and ultimate oil recovery. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights into the application of EOR techniques for enhancing oil recovery from unconventional reservoirs in Petroleum Engineering. By identifying the most effective and economically viable EOR strategies for different types of unconventional formations, this project aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable oil production practices and the optimization of hydrocarbon resource recovery in the energy industry.