The injected fluids in secondary processes supplement the natural energy present in the reservoir to displace oil. The recovery efficiency mainly depends on the mechanism of pressure maintenance. However, the injected fluids in tertiary or enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes interact with the reservoir rock/oil system. Thus, EOR techniques are receiving substantial attention worldwide as the available oil resources are declining. However, some challenges, such as low sweep efficiency, high costs and potential formation damage, still hinder the further application of these EOR technologies. Current studies on nanoparticles are seen as potential solutions to most of the challenges associated with these traditional EOR techniques. This paper provides an overview of the latest studies about the use of nanoparticles to enhance oil recovery and paves the way for researchers who are interested in the integration of these progresses. The first part of this paper addresses studies about the major EOR mechanisms of nanoparticles used in the forms of nanofluids, nanoemulsions and nanocatalysts, including disjoining pressure, viscosity increase of injection fluids, preventing asphaltene precipitation, wettability alteration and interfacial tension reduction. This part is followed by a review of the most important research regarding various novel nano-assisted EOR methods where nanoparticles are used to target various existing thermal, chemical and gas methods. Finally, this review identifies the challenges and opportunities for future study regarding application of nanoparticles in EOR processes.

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Application of Nanoparticles in Enhanced Oil Recovery: A Critical Review of Recent Progress

Hydrogen could play an important role as an energy vector in the coming decades in the framework of Sustainable Development. It is the universe's most abundant element and thus a never-ending source of energy. Hydrogen can be directly converted into electric energy by using fuel cells without producing toxic gases. It can also be produced by renewable sources such as biomass, solar and wind energies with no impact for the environment. However, although hydrogen represents a promising eco-friendly solution for energy transition, several issues related to its storage and delivery remain to be solved if it is to be widely used in both stationary and automotive applications. Hydrogen has the lowest volumetric energy density among the commonly used fuels, i.e., 0.01079 MJ/L at atmospheric pressure. Compression is the direct solution to overcome this obstacle. High pressure levels can give satisfying energy densities. The present review summarises the state of the art of the most classical hydrogen compression technologies. We shall present the technical and design features of mechanical compressors, i.e., reciprocating, diaphragm, linear and ionic liquid compressors, as well as of innovative non-mechanical technologies specifically conceived for hydrogen applications, such as cryogenic, metal hydride, electrochemical and adsorption compressors. The basic operating principles and the potential performance levels for each compression technology are analysed. Specifically, their current uses in hydrogen applications and their technological limits are described along with proposals of possible ways of improving their performance levels.

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Review of the current technologies and performances of hydrogen compression for stationary and automotive applications

This document was developed as a literature review and technology assessment of phytoremediation and its alternatives. As such, the stakeholders do not endorse the use of any specific technology, nor do they assume any liabilities with respect to the use of, or damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, or process discussed in this document. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation of use. Phytoremediation, the use of plants and their associated microorganisms for the in situ treatment of contaminated soils, is a steadily emerging technology with potential for the effective and inexpensive cleanup of a broad range of organic and inorganic wastes. Based on a review of the relevant literature, we provide examples of the phytoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons and discuss the key mechanisms as well as the special considerations involved in petrochemical phytoremediation. The benefits, limitations, and costs of phytoremediation compared to alternative approaches – including natural attenuation, engineering and bioremediation – also are discussed. Initial indications are that phytoremediation is effective at degrading and containing petroleum hydrocarbons in soil as well as transferring these compounds from soil to the atmosphere. The literature suggests that the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by microorganisms in the rhizosphere of plants is the primary loss mechanism for these compounds. Based on available information, it appears that phytoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons is quicker but more expensive than natural attenuation and, conversely, slower but less expensive than most engineering techniques and traditional bioremediation methods. Preliminary screenings indicate that there are native and introduced plants that could be used in phytoremediation efforts in the Prairie and Boreal Plains Ecozones. Little published information exists, however, on the application of phytoremediation to oil-contaminated sites in Canada. Likewise, only a handful of studies examine in detail the specific mechanisms of petrochemical phytoremediation.

Assessment of Phytoremediation as an In-Situ Technique for Cleaning Oil-Contaminated Sites

A critical review on the recent studies on plant biomaterials as corrosion inhibitors for industrial metals

A comprehensive review on Enhanced Oil Recovery by Water Alternating Gas (WAG) injection

Preface. RESERVOIR ENGINEERING. Basic Principles, Definitions, and Data. Formation Evaluation. Pressure Transient Testing of Oil and Gas Wells. Mechanisms and Recovery of Hydrocarbons by Natural Means. Material Balance and Volumetric Analysis. Decline-Curve Analysis. Reserve Estimates. Secondary Recovery. Fluid Movement in Waterflooded Reservoirs. Estimating Waterflood Residual Oil Saturation. Enhanced Oil Recovery Methods. References. PRODUCTION ENGINEERING. Properties of Hydrocarbon Mixtures. Flow of Fluids. Natural Flow Performance. Artificial Lift Methods. Stimulation and Remedial Operations. Surface Oil Production Systems. Gas Production Engineering. Corrosion and Scaling. Environmental Considerations. Offshore Operations. References. PETROLEUM ECONOMICS. Estimating Oil and Gas Reserves. Classification of Petroleum Products. Methods for Estimating Reserves. Non-Associated Gas Reservoirs. Production Stimulation. Determining the Value of Future Production. The Market for Petroleum. Economics and the Petroleum Engineer. Preparation of a Cash Flow. Valuation of Oil and Gas Properties. Risk Analysis. References. Appendix: Units and Conversions (SI). Index.

William C Lyons

Papers

Standard handbook of petroleum & natural gas engineering.