How can enhanced oil recovery techniques be used sustainably?

1 EOR categories

EOR techniques can be classified into three main categories: thermal, chemical, and gas injection. Thermal EOR involves injecting steam or hot water into the reservoir to lower the viscosity and increase the mobility of the oil. Chemical EOR uses substances such as polymers, surfactants, or alkaline agents to alter the interfacial tension and improve the displacement of the oil. Gas injection EOR injects gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or methane into the reservoir to increase the pressure and reduce the density of the oil.

2 EOR sustainability

EOR sustainability refers to the ability of EOR techniques to optimize oil recovery while minimizing the environmental and social impacts. Some of the key factors that affect EOR sustainability are water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, reservoir integrity, and community engagement. EOR techniques should aim to reduce water usage, recycle and reuse water, avoid contamination of groundwater and surface water, and manage wastewater properly. EOR techniques should also strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, capture and store carbon dioxide, and monitor and mitigate potential leaks. EOR techniques should also respect the reservoir characteristics, avoid over-injection and fracturing, and preserve the reservoir pressure and temperature. EOR techniques should also involve the local communities, address their concerns, and share the benefits of EOR.

3 EOR best practices

EOR best practices are guidelines and standards that help EOR operators to implement EOR techniques sustainably. A comprehensive reservoir characterization and simulation should be conducted to select the most suitable EOR technique and design the optimal injection strategy. An integrated reservoir management approach should be applied that considers the interactions between the reservoir, wells, surface facilities, and environment. Additionally, a rigorous monitoring and evaluation system should be implemented to track the performance and impacts of EOR techniques, allowing for adjustments and improvements. Adopting a life cycle assessment framework is also essential for evaluating environmental, economic, and social costs and benefits of EOR techniques. Finally, ESG reporting principles should be followed to disclose the EOR operations and outcomes to stakeholders and the public.

4 EOR innovations

EOR innovations are new technologies and methods that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of EOR techniques. For instance, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or geothermal can be used to power EOR operations and reduce the carbon footprint. Additionally, smart materials such as nanofluids, biopolymers, or microemulsions can improve the rheological and transport properties of the injected fluids and increase the oil recovery factor. Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, or blockchain can also be applied to optimize the EOR data analysis, decision making, and automation. Moreover, alternative EOR methods such as microbial, electromagnetic, or ultrasound EOR can stimulate oil recovery without using chemicals or gases.

5 EOR challenges

EOR challenges are the obstacles and risks that hinder the sustainable application of EOR techniques, such as high capital and operational costs, technical uncertainties and complexities, regulatory and policy barriers, and social and environmental conflicts. These challenges require a favorable oil price, a long-term investment horizon, a high level of expertise and experience, a robust risk management plan, legal and contractual uncertainties and constraints, and a proactive stakeholder engagement and communication strategy.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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