Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques play a crucial role in maximizing hydrocarbon production from mature oilfields. This thesis investigates the application of nanotechnology in enhancing oil recovery from mature oilfields, focusing on its potential benefits and challenges within the realm of petroleum engineering. The study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of nanotechnology-based EOR methods in improving oil recovery rates and extending the economic viability of mature oilfields. The research methodology involves a comprehensive literature review to explore existing knowledge and advancements in the field of nanotechnology and its application in petroleum engineering. Various EOR techniques utilizing nanotechnology will be critically analyzed to assess their potential in enhancing oil recovery efficiency. The study will also include experimental research to validate the effectiveness of selected nanotechnology-based EOR methods in laboratory simulations that mimic real-world oilfield conditions. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter 2 presents a detailed literature review on the application of nanotechnology in EOR, covering ten key aspects related to current research, developments, challenges, and opportunities in the field. Chapter 3 focuses on the research methodology, detailing the experimental setup, data collection methods, analysis techniques, and other essential components necessary to investigate the effectiveness of nanotechnology-based EOR techniques in mature oilfields. This chapter will also include discussions on the selection criteria for specific EOR methods and the rationale behind the chosen experimental approach. Chapter 4 presents an in-depth discussion of the research findings, including the outcomes of the experimental studies and their implications for the field of petroleum engineering. The chapter will analyze the data collected during the experiments and compare the performance of different nanotechnology-based EOR methods in terms of oil recovery efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing their implications for the industry, and suggesting future research directions. The chapter will also highlight the practical implications of using nanotechnology in EOR for mature oilfields, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize oil recovery strategies and contribute to sustainable energy production. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the knowledge base of petroleum engineering by exploring the innovative application of nanotechnology in enhancing oil recovery from mature oilfields. The research findings offer valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of using nanotechnology-based EOR techniques, paving the way for further advancements in the field and the sustainable exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in mature oilfields.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques for Mature Oilfields using Nanotechnology in Petroleum Engineering" aims to explore innovative methods to increase oil production from mature oilfields. The oil industry is facing challenges in maintaining production levels from mature oilfields due to declining reservoir pressure and the presence of residual oil. Traditional oil recovery methods are often inefficient in extracting the remaining oil, leading to significant losses in potential reserves. This research will focus on the application of nanotechnology in enhancing oil recovery from mature oilfields. Nanotechnology offers promising solutions by leveraging the unique properties of nanoparticles to improve the efficiency of oil recovery processes. By incorporating nanomaterials into existing reservoir stimulation techniques, such as water flooding and chemical injection, it is possible to enhance oil displacement and improve sweep efficiency in reservoirs. The study will begin with a comprehensive review of existing literature on enhanced oil recovery techniques, nanotechnology applications in the oil and gas industry, and specific case studies of successful implementation of nanotechnology in oil recovery. This literature review will provide a solid foundation for understanding the current state-of-the-art technologies and identifying gaps in knowledge that the research aims to address. The research methodology will involve experimental studies using lab-scale models to investigate the performance of nanomaterials in enhancing oil recovery. Various types of nanoparticles will be synthesized and tested for their effectiveness in altering the wettability of reservoir rocks, reducing interfacial tension, and improving oil mobility. Additionally, numerical simulations will be conducted to model the fluid flow behavior in porous media and assess the impact of nanotechnology on oil displacement efficiency. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights into the potential of nanotechnology as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for enhancing oil recovery from mature oilfields. By optimizing the design and implementation of nanomaterials in oil recovery processes, operators can maximize oil production, extend the economic life of mature oilfields, and reduce environmental impact through improved resource utilization. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to the advancement of petroleum engineering practices by introducing novel approaches to overcome the challenges associated with mature oilfield development. The integration of nanotechnology with enhanced oil recovery techniques has the potential to revolutionize the industry and drive sustainable growth in oil production while minimizing the environmental footprint of oil extraction operations.