Chemical EOR including polymer and surfactant injections is a mature and proven technology that can be used for mobility control and to mobilize trapped oil. The key challenges are related to assessing the right reservoir conditions and to reducing the cost. In this research, we focus on developing cost-effective chemical EOR schemes by optimizing the chemical slug sizes that can be designed carefully to the reservoir conditions. We also investigate the potential of chemical usage for other applications such as well conformance. For instance, we have developed with researchers from ARAMCO a patented scheme that uses specific types of micro-emulsion for well conformance to address issues related to early water breakthrough and poor sweep efficiency.
Illustrated by Xavier Pita, KAUST.