Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques in Unconventional Reservoirs: A Comparative Study

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques play a crucial role in maximizing hydrocarbon extraction from unconventional reservoirs. This thesis presents a comparative study of various EOR techniques employed in unconventional reservoirs, aiming to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing oil recovery rates. The study focuses on understanding the challenges associated with unconventional reservoirs and explores how different EOR methods can address these challenges to improve production efficiency. The research begins with an introduction highlighting the importance of EOR in unconventional reservoirs and providing a background to the study. The problem statement identifies the gaps in current EOR practices in unconventional reservoirs, leading to the formulation of research objectives to address these shortcomings. The limitations and scope of the study are also discussed to provide a clear understanding of the research boundaries. The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute valuable insights to the field of petroleum engineering and guide decision-making in EOR applications. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review encompassing ten key areas related to EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs. The review covers topics such as the characteristics of unconventional reservoirs, existing EOR methods, challenges in EOR implementation, and recent advancements in the field. By synthesizing existing knowledge, this chapter sets the foundation for the research methodology employed in this study. Chapter 3 details the research methodology, outlining the steps taken to compare and evaluate different EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs. The methodology includes data collection methods, analysis techniques, and simulation models used to assess the performance of various EOR strategies. The chapter also discusses the selection criteria for the comparative study and explains the rationale behind the chosen approach. Chapter 4 presents an in-depth discussion of the findings obtained from the comparative analysis of EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs. The results highlight the strengths and limitations of each method, providing insights into their applicability and effectiveness in different reservoir conditions. The chapter also discusses the implications of the findings on practical EOR implementations and suggests recommendations for optimizing oil recovery rates in unconventional reservoirs. Finally, Chapter 5 offers a comprehensive conclusion and summary of the thesis, summarizing the key findings, implications, and contributions of the study. The conclusion also discusses the potential future research directions in the field of EOR in unconventional reservoirs, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation and research to meet the growing energy demands in a sustainable manner. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the existing body of knowledge on EOR techniques in unconventional reservoirs by providing a comparative analysis of various methods and their effectiveness in enhancing oil recovery rates. The findings of this study can inform decision-making processes in the petroleum industry, guiding the selection and optimization of EOR strategies to maximize hydrocarbon extraction from unconventional reservoirs.