Recovery Observations from Alkali, Nanoparticles and Polymer Flooding as Combined Processes

We have studied wettability alterations through imbibition/flooding and their synergy with interfacial tension (IFT) for alkalis, nanoparticles and polymers. Thus, the total acid number (TAN) of oil may determine the wetting-state of the reservoir and influence recovery and IFT. Data obtained demonstrate how the oil TAN number (low and high), chemical agent and reservoir mineralogy influence fluid–fluid and rock–fluid interactions. We used a laboratory evaluation workflow that combines complementary assessments such as spontaneous imbibition tests, IFT, contact angle measurements and selected core floods. The workflow evaluates wettability alteration, IFT changes and recovery when injecting alkalis, nanoparticles and polymers, or a combination of them. Dynamics and mechanisms of imbibition were tracked by analyzing the recovery change with the inverse bond number. Three sandstone types (outcrops) were used, which mainly differed in clay content and permeability. Oils with low and high TANs were used, the latter from the potential field pilot 16 TH reservoir in the Matzen field (Austria). We have investigated and identified some of the conditions leading to increases in recovery rates as well as ultimate recovery by the imbibition of alkali, nanoparticle and polymer aqueous phases. This study presents novel data on the synergy of IFT, contact angle Amott imbibition, and core floods for the chemical processes studied.