Enhanced oil recovery

Definition

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) refers to a set of techniques used to increase the amount of crude oil that can be extracted from an oil field beyond the initial recovery methods. These techniques often involve injecting substances such as water, gas, or chemicals into the reservoir to reduce viscosity and improve oil flow. By utilizing EOR methods, operators can significantly increase oil production rates, extend the life of oil fields, and maximize resource extraction while addressing environmental concerns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. EOR techniques can recover an additional 5% to 20% of the original oil in place, depending on the reservoir characteristics and methods used.
2. Common EOR methods include gas injection (like CO2), thermal recovery, and chemical flooding.
3. The use of CO2 for EOR not only enhances oil recovery but also offers a potential solution for carbon capture and storage, making it a dual-benefit technology.
4. EOR can be more cost-effective than drilling new wells as it utilizes existing infrastructure and reduces the need for extensive new exploration.
5. Environmental considerations in EOR include managing the potential risks associated with chemical use and ensuring sustainable practices in oil extraction.

Review Questions

• How do enhanced oil recovery techniques improve the efficiency of oil extraction compared to primary recovery methods?
  • Enhanced oil recovery techniques improve extraction efficiency by addressing the limitations of primary recovery methods, which typically rely on natural reservoir pressure. By injecting substances like water or gas into the reservoir, EOR increases pressure and reduces the viscosity of crude oil, allowing more of it to flow freely. This results in higher production rates and helps maximize the amount of recoverable oil from a field.
• Evaluate the environmental implications of using CO2 injection in enhanced oil recovery processes.
  • CO2 injection in enhanced oil recovery has significant environmental implications. While it enhances oil extraction, it also serves as a method for carbon capture and storage, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, concerns arise about the long-term storage of CO2 underground, including risks of leakage and impacts on groundwater quality. Therefore, while CO2 injection can be beneficial for both energy production and climate change mitigation, it requires careful management and monitoring.
• Assess the future role of enhanced oil recovery in meeting global energy demands while balancing environmental sustainability.
  • The future role of enhanced oil recovery in global energy demands is poised to grow as conventional oil reserves deplete. EOR can help maximize output from existing fields, thereby prolonging their productive life and contributing to energy supply. However, its sustainability hinges on integrating environmentally friendly practices such as responsible CO2 management and minimizing chemical impacts. As societies transition to renewable energy sources, EOR may serve as a bridge solution by enhancing domestic fossil fuel production while reducing carbon footprints, thereby aiding energy security amidst climate change challenges.

Related terms

Secondary recovery: The phase of oil extraction that follows primary recovery, typically involving water flooding to maintain reservoir pressure and improve oil recovery.

Thermal recovery: A method of enhanced oil recovery that involves injecting steam or hot water into the reservoir to lower oil viscosity and improve flow.

Carbon dioxide injection: A specific technique of enhanced oil recovery where carbon dioxide is injected into an oil reservoir to increase pressure and reduce oil viscosity, allowing for greater extraction.