Project Abstract

Abstract
Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques play a crucial role in maximizing hydrocarbon production from reservoirs. This research project focuses on conducting a comparative study of two commonly employed EOR strategies polymer flooding and surfactant flooding. The primary objective is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of these two methods in enhancing oil recovery from reservoirs. The study begins with an introduction to the importance of EOR techniques in the petroleum industry. It provides a background of the study, highlighting the challenges faced in conventional oil recovery methods and the need for advanced EOR methods. The problem statement discusses the limitations of existing EOR techniques and emphasizes the significance of exploring alternative approaches such as polymer flooding and surfactant flooding. The objectives of the study include assessing the performance of polymer flooding and surfactant flooding in terms of oil recovery efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. The study also aims to identify the limitations and scope of application of each EOR method. Furthermore, the research methodology outlines the approach taken to collect and analyze data, including literature review, laboratory experiments, simulation studies, and field case studies. The literature review chapter provides an in-depth analysis of existing studies and research findings related to polymer flooding and surfactant flooding. It covers topics such as the mechanisms of oil displacement, reservoir characterization, fluid behavior, and field applications of these EOR techniques. The chapter critically evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each method based on previous research. The research methodology chapter details the experimental setup, data collection methods, and analytical techniques used to compare the performance of polymer flooding and surfactant flooding. It includes laboratory experiments to study the behavior of polymers and surfactants in porous media, simulation studies to model fluid flow in reservoirs, and field case studies to validate the findings. The discussion of findings chapter presents a detailed analysis of the results obtained from the experiments and simulations. It compares the oil recovery efficiency, sweep efficiency, production rates, and economic factors associated with polymer flooding and surfactant flooding. The chapter also discusses the environmental implications and feasibility of implementing these EOR techniques in different reservoir conditions. In conclusion, this research project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of polymer flooding and surfactant flooding as EOR strategies. The findings contribute to the existing knowledge base on EOR methods and offer recommendations for optimizing oil recovery in reservoirs. The study underscores the importance of considering reservoir characteristics, fluid properties, and economic factors when selecting an appropriate EOR technique. Keywords Enhanced oil recovery, Polymer flooding, Surfactant flooding, Comparative study, Reservoir characterization, Oil displacement, Sweep efficiency, Economic analysis, Environmental impact, Petroleum industry.

Project Overview

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques play a crucial role in maximizing the extraction of oil reserves from reservoirs, especially in mature fields where primary and secondary recovery methods have limited effectiveness. Among the various EOR methods, polymer flooding and surfactant flooding are widely used strategies that aim to improve oil recovery rates by altering the fluid properties within the reservoir. This research project focuses on conducting a comparative study of these two EOR techniques, specifically examining the effectiveness, advantages, and limitations of polymer flooding and surfactant flooding in enhancing oil recovery. The project will begin with an introduction providing an overview of the significance of EOR techniques in the oil and gas industry and the need for comparative studies to optimize oil recovery processes. The background of the study will delve into the historical development and key principles of polymer flooding and surfactant flooding, highlighting their mechanisms and applications in reservoir engineering. The problem statement will address the existing challenges and gaps in the current understanding of the performance of polymer flooding and surfactant flooding, laying the foundation for the research objectives. The primary objective of the study is to compare the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of polymer flooding and surfactant flooding in enhancing oil recovery, considering factors such as reservoir characteristics, fluid properties, and operational considerations. Limitations of the study will be acknowledged, including potential constraints in data availability, experimental conditions, and the complexity of reservoir behavior. The scope of the study will outline the specific parameters, methodologies, and case studies that will be considered in the comparative analysis of polymer flooding and surfactant flooding. The significance of the study lies in its potential to provide valuable insights for oil reservoir engineers, operators, and decision-makers in selecting the most suitable EOR strategy based on reservoir conditions and project requirements. By evaluating the performance of polymer flooding and surfactant flooding through a comparative lens, this research aims to contribute to the optimization of EOR practices and the economic viability of oil recovery operations. The structure of the research will be outlined to guide the reader through the subsequent chapters, which will include an in-depth literature review on polymer flooding and surfactant flooding, a detailed research methodology involving experimental design and data analysis, a comprehensive discussion of findings comparing the two EOR techniques, and a conclusion summarizing the research outcomes and implications for future studies and industry applications. In summary, this research project on "Enhanced Oil Recovery Strategies: A Comparative Study of Polymer Flooding and Surfactant Flooding" seeks to advance knowledge in EOR practices, facilitate informed decision-making in oil reservoir management, and enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of oil recovery processes in the petroleum engineering field.