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Carbon dioxide flooding for enhanced oil recovery: Promise and problems
Author(s) -
Orr F. M.,
Heller J. P.,
Taber J. J.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of the american oil chemists' society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.512
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1558-9331
pISSN - 0003-021X
DOI - 10.1007/bf02634446
Subject(s) - enhanced oil recovery , carbon dioxide , viscosity , petroleum engineering , oil field , swelling , environmental science , oil viscosity , materials science , chemical engineering , chemistry , geology , composite material , engineering , organic chemistry
Of the enhanced oil recovery methods currently being considered for application to many of the nation’s older oil fields, carbon dioxide flooding may offer the largest potential for additional oil recovery. The physical mechanisms by which CO 2 contacts and mobilizes crude oil are reviewed. Influence on the displacement process of factors such as the phase behavior of CO 2 ‐crude oil mixtures, swelling of oil by dissolved CO 2 , and reduction of oil viscosity are considered. Adverse effects of the viscous instability which occurs when very low viscosity CO 2 displaces the more viscous oil and water are dicussed. Advantages and disadvantages of three potential methods for controlling the mobility of CO 2 are reviewed: thickening CO 2 with polymeric additives, reduction of CO 2 mobility by high water saturations, and use of surfactants to generate foam‐like emulsions of water and CO 2 . Field experience to date and the recent surge in field activity are discussed. Finally, a brief assessment of the future of CO 2 flooding research and practice is offered.