Vol. 24, No. 1 (2025), Proc24389 https://doi.org/10.24275/rmiq/Proc24389

Enhancing heavy crude oil recovery: injection of FeNi nanoparticles with steam into porous medium

 

Authors

C.V. Birbal, S. Martinez, Y. Castro

Abstract

The study focuses on utilizing nanoparticles in heavy crude oil recovery processes, particularly in steam injection operations. Various catalytic reactions, including aquathermolysis, water-gas shift, and cracking, were explored to enhance oil recovery efficiency. Bimetallic nanoparticles (Fe/Ni) of 14 nm size were synthesized for this purpose. The study examined a heavy crude oil of 8°API under steam injection conditions. Additionally, the impact of nanoparticles on recovery factor, water production, SARA fractions, and gaseous products was analyzed. The inclusion of Ni-Fe nanoparticles in the system exhibits promising results in reducing viscosity and enhancing recovery factors. Notably, a decrease in viscosity by 86% and an increase in recovery factor by 72.94% were achieved within the porous medium. Water production was better controlled in the presence of nanoparticles, potentially due to their retention in the sand mediated by Van der Waals forces. The interactions between methane, water, and petroleum molecules in the presence of nickel and iron nanoparticles led to the production of smaller hydrocarbons. Furthermore, catalytic cracking, desulfurization, and hydrogenation reactions were observed to enhance product quality in terms of viscosity and sulfur content. The experimental findings underscore the impact of varying injection cycles on recovery percentages, highlighting the significance of hydrogen in molecular transformations. Overall, the study offers valuable insights into the intricacies of nanoparticle-assisted heavy oil recovery, showcasing potential opportunities for optimizing recovery processes within the oil industry.

Keywords

nanoparticles; recovery factor; steam injection; downhole upgrading; enhanced oil recovery.

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