Geochemical modeling of low salinity core flooding

Abstract

Extensive research the last decades has shown that lowering the salinity and ionic compostion of injection water can improve thre oil recovery. The mechanisms causing low salinity water to give favorable reservoir conditions is not clearly understood. The purpose of this master thesis is to analyze some of the published experimental results by the use of geochemical models, in order to get a better understanding of what is happening during a low salinity coreflood. The textural changes (precipitation and dissolution) and ion exchange processes that happen within the cores during these corefloods have been quantified.