Nanofluids as a Promising Solution for Stabilizing Asphaltenes and Improving Oil Recovery in Mature Fields

Abstract

Abstract The objectives of this study are to investigate the potential of nanofluids in stabilizing asphaltenes and enhancing oil recovery in mature fields. The research involves evaluating nanofluid colloid stability, characterizing formation fluid properties, assessing nanofluid-crude oil interaction, and examining its interaction with the rock matrix. By addressing these objectives, we contribute to understanding the practical application of nanofluids in mitigating asphaltene challenges and improving oil production in mature fields. The overall approach of this study involves conducting a series of experimental evaluations. The colloid stability of the nanofluid is tested to ensure its effectiveness in inhibiting asphaltenes. Formation fluids are characterized using techniques such as the Advanced Solid Content Instrument (ASCI), Oliensis analysis, rheology measurements, percentage of basic sediment and water (%BS&W) analysis, and physicochemical analysis of the formation water. Fluid-fluid evaluation is performed to assess the interaction between the nanofluid and the crude oil. Rock-fluid evaluation is conducted to examine the alteration of wettability and its impact on oil recovery. The experimental evaluation of the nanofluid yielded significant findings. The nanofluid exhibited exceptional colloid stability, effectively inhibiting asphaltenes with an impressive 18.0% inhibition rate. Notably, the interaction between the nanofluid and the crude oil induced wettability alterations, resulting in a remarkable 31.5% increase in the recovery factor compared to the damaged porous medium condition. These results highlight the promising potential of nanofluids for stabilizing asphaltenes and enhancing oil recovery in mature fields. The findings from this study contribute valuable insights into the practical application of nanotechnology within the petroleum industry, paving the way for improved strategies and solutions to overcome asphaltene-related challenges in oil production processes. This study explores the novel application of nanofluids for stabilizing asphaltenes in oil production. It emphasizes the unique properties of nanoparticles, including their high surface area-to-mass ratio and magnetic properties, enabling effective adsorption and inhibition mechanisms. The research also demonstrates wettability alterations and the formation of a repulsive force between crude oil particles and reservoir rock, impacting oil recovery.