Researchers have recently evidenced that using nanoparticles (NPs) as nanofluids can enhance oil recovery (EOR) especially at ambient conditions. However, this enhancement is preferable at reservoir conditions hence, more investigations are still needed to improve their performance. Improving their efficiency requires using a low cost, naturally occurring, and easily modifiable nanoparticle types. Herein, an environmentally safe and superior nanoparticle type of pyroxene was synthesized, and its surface was modified to formulate; neutral pyroxene (NPNPs), functionalized (hydrophobic pyroxene (HPNPs)), and half functionalized (Janus pyroxene (JPNPs)). All these nanoparticles were then characterized  via SEM, EDX, TGA, DLS, and FTIR. The performance of the formulated nanofluids from the synthesized NPs was later evaluated for EOR in sandstone cores by contact angle, IFT measurement and spontaneous imbibition tests at various temperatures. Anisotropic JPNPs were synthesized via masking step method to produce amphiphilic JPNPs mimicking conventional surfactants; while, HPNP were synthesized by anchoring the triethoxy (octy) silane on the surface on NPNP making them more hydrophobic. As a result, these proposed modifications significantly improved EOR through, IFT reduction and wettability alteration at different temperatures compared to brine. Moreover, adjusting the pH to 9 improved the stability of all the nanofluids based on the zeta potential measurements as it reduced their agglomeration and growth in brine. Spontaneous imbibition results showed possible application for these NPs at low concentrations (0.005 wt%) for EOR applications. Contact angle measurements in presence of HPNP nanofluids confirmed wettability alteration from oleophilic to strongly oleophobic state. Reduction of IFT, capillary forces, and wettability alteration were the main reason for EOR via nanofluids.

Experimental study of spontaneous imbibition by using modified nanopyroxene for enhanced oil recovery in sandstones cores at various temperatures

256th National Meeting (2018)

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