Investigation of Nanoparticles Dispersion for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Applications

With recent advancement in nanotechnology, this specific area of interest has slipped through the oil and gas industry significantly. Nanoparticle is a branch from nanotechnology which fundamentals are nano-sized particles that aids in recovering oil left behind from primary and secondary methods. Nanoparticles theoretically benefits tertiary oil recovery or enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods by seeping through the micro cracks or low permeable zones due to the nano-sized particles characteristic. In this research, silica nanoparticles and aluminum nanoparticles were dispersed in a sandpack to displace crude oil. The dispersion of nanoparticles however is the main concern in this research. Aggregation of nanoparticles are said to be the major contributor for paralyzing nanoparticles dispersion deeper into the formation. This research also discusses the use of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as stabilizing solvents mixed in brine or carrier fluids which are also important in enhancing the nanoparticle properties to prevent coagulation of the nanoparticles itself when mixed to create a nanofluid.