Effect of 15nm SiO2 Nanoparticles on Enhanced Oil Recovery and Drilling Fluid: Experimental and Simulation studies

Abstract

Nanotechnology is among the most remarkable technology in the modern science, and due to unique and unrevealed abilities the tiny size of particles possesses, this technology has also been questioned in order to be worthy. The implementations of nanotechnology have already been used in diverse industries, yet to be a part of the oil and gas industry. The lack of investigations, and trust may be the reason for not applying the technology to the current ordinary technologies and techniques. However, there are numerous optimistic scientists who suggest integrating the nanoparticles as a part of either formulating the drilling fluids and cement, or the enhanced oil recovery, as the nanotechnology shows promising potential. During the thesis, nanofluids of different SiO2 concentrations were studied to influence in EOR to raise the recovery factor and the performance of the drilling fluids in terms of rheology and the desired functions. The following points present the highlighted observations: • 0.075 wt.% SiO2 NF gave the best value as reducing the IFT by 14,44% and increased the contact angle by 52,3% to change the wettability to water – wet. • 0.050 wt.% SiO2 NF gave an incremental of 2,42% in a tertiary recovery method, while 0.075 wt.% SiO2 NF did not alter the recovery factor. • PV and ECD was not found to be any noteworthy influenced by adding nanoparticles. • Additional 6.20% extended drilling was achieved by using CMC + 0.025g SiO2 DF in WellPlan.