Application of microfluidics to optimize oil and gas field development technologies

Abstract

To increase the oil recovery factor (RF), enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods are applied: chemical, gas, thermal, and combined ones. Standard laboratory research methods for selecting and optimizing EOR technologies require a lot of time and resources, as well as core material, which is often in short supply. To optimize the selection of reagents and field development technologies, the use of microfluidic technology is proposed i.e. conducting experiments in reservoir conditions using microfluidic chips with a porous structure, reproducing the properties of the core of the target field. The main advantages of conducting tests in micromodels are the low duration and the ability to visualize filtration processes, which makes it possible to evaluate the behavior of fluids in reservoir conditions. This paper considers the modern application of microfluidics for the selection of EOR agents and stimulation methods and the status of this technology in the oil and gas industry. The use of microfluidic chips for screening surfactants and polymers, as well as studying the mechanism of low-mineralized water action is described. Conducting microfluidic tests to optimize gas and thermal EOR, which became possible due to the development and improvement of technology, is considered.