Enhanced oil recovery (EOR), also known as “tertiary recovery,” is a sophisticated method for extracting the remaining oil that primary and secondary techniques cannot retrieve. By altering the chemical properties of the oil, EOR simplifies extraction, although it brings both potential economic and environmental challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques extend oil extraction beyond primary and secondary methods.
- EOR’s economic viability depends on the fluctuating price of oil and related costs.
- Environmental consequences are a concern, though new advancements may mitigate negative impacts.
How Enhanced Oil Recovery Works
EOR techniques are intricately designed and costly, implemented primarily after the primary and secondary processes are exhausted. Factors including the cost of oil determine the practicality of EOR; in some cases, leaving the remaining oil in the reservoir may be more economical.
Three Main Types of EOR Techniques
Gas Injection Method
In this technique, gases are introduced into the well, both pushing the oil to the surface and reducing its viscosity for easier extraction. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is frequently used, with technological advances facilitating its transport as foams and gels. Despite environmental concerns, CO2 injections might continue due to these innovations.
Thermal Recovery Methods
Thermal recovery involves pumping steam into the reservoir to heat the oil, making it easier to extract. Another approach is fire flooding, where controlled fires around the reservoir edges drive oil towards the well.
Chemical Recovery
Chemicals like polymers can be injected to lessen oil viscosity and boost pressure, albeit at a high cost, making this methodology less common.
Using Enhanced Oil Recovery Methods
EOR offers the potential to extend the life of wells in established or likely oil fields. [Petroleum companies](INSERT LINK) target both proven reserves (90%+ recovery chance) and probable reserves (50%+ recovery chance).
Environmental Considerations and Innovations
EOR techniques often risk contaminating groundwater with harmful chemicals. However, plasma pulsing, developed in Russia, reduces these risks. This environmentally friendly technique uses low-energy emissions to reduce oil viscosity without injecting gases or chemicals into the ground.
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Related Terms: primary recovery, secondary recovery, petroleum extraction, carbon dioxide injection, oil fields, proven reserves.
References
Get ready to put your knowledge to the test with this intriguing quiz!
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## What is the primary purpose of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)?
- [ ] To transport oil from refineries to distribution centers
- [ ] To refine crude oil into usable products
- [x] To increase the amount of crude oil that can be extracted from an oil field
- [ ] To measure the quality of crude oil
## Which of the following is a common method used in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)?
- [ ] Peripheral drilling
- [ ] Hydraulic fracturing
- [x] Gas injection
- [ ] Water desalination
## How does gas injection as an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) method work?
- [x] By injecting gases like CO2 or nitrogen into the reservoir to lower oil viscosity and improve flow
- [ ] By lowering the oil reservoir's pressure
- [ ] By breaking down large oil compounds into smaller units
- [ ] By separating gas from crude oil
## What type of oil field is generally targeted with Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)?
- [ ] Newly discovered oil fields
- [ ] Inactive oil fields
- [ ] Offshore oil fields
- [x] Mature oil fields with declining production
## Which of the following is NOT a method of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)?
- [ ] Thermal recovery
- [x] Cryogenic fracturing
- [ ] Chemical injection
- [ ] Microbial injection
## In which phase of oil production is Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) typically implemented?
- [ ] Primary recovery phase
- [ ] Initial drilling phase
- [ ] Refinery phase
- [x] Tertiary recovery phase
## How does chemical injection as a method of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) enhance oil recovery?
- [x] By injecting chemicals to lower the interfacial tension between oil and water
- [ ] By physically breaking the rocks containing oil
- [ ] By injecting high-pressure water
- [ ] By extracting the impurities from the oil reservoir
## Which gas is commonly used in gas injection methods for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)?
- [ ] Argon
- [x] Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- [ ] Helium
- [ ] Methane
## What is an environmental benefit of CO2 injection in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)?
- [ ] It reduces the need for chemical additives
- [ ] It improves the structural integrity of oil reservoirs
- [x] It can help in sequestering CO2, reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- [ ] It purifies the crude oil extracted
## What key factor must be considered when choosing an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) method?
- [ ] The geographic location of the refinery
- [ ] The amount of sulfur in the crude oil
- [ ] The quality of drilling equipment
- [x] The specific properties and conditions of the oil reservoir
