Heavy Oil and Bitumen EOR

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques for heavy oil and bitumen are critical to increasing production from challenging reservoirs and meeting global energy demands. These resources are characterized by their high viscosity, making conventional recovery methods inefficient. EOR methods, such as thermal recovery, chemical flooding, and nanoparticle-assisted techniques, aim to improve oil mobility and sweep efficiency. Given the significant reserves of heavy oil and bitumen globally, advancing EOR strategies is essential for long-term energy security and economic viability. 

Our group has conducted a wide range of research to advance heavy oil and bitumen EOR techniques. We have explored the use of nanoparticles to enhance oil recovery through improved emulsion stability and wettability alteration. Acoustic stimulation has been a focus for mobilizing trapped oil, demonstrating its potential in reducing residual oil saturation. Additionally, we have developed advanced thermal-chemical and solvent hybrid methods for overcoming challenges in high-viscosity reservoirs. Our experimental work includes designing core flooding setups to replicate reservoir conditions, using CT imaging for visualizing displacement processes, and employing microfluidic systems to study pore-scale interactions. Considerable effort is dedicated in post-cold production and post-CHOPS research in heavy oil reservoirs as well as the implementation of Cyclic Solvent Injection Processes. Other notable projects include scaling up pore-level findings to field-scale predictions, modeling the effects of thermal dispersion in non-isothermal flows, and investigating mechanisms such as viscous fingering and phase trapping during EOR processes. These diverse approaches highlight our commitment to integrating innovative techniques and robust experimental validation to solve critical challenges in heavy oil and bitumen recovery 

Our research has led to enhanced understanding and improved methodologies for recovering heavy oil and bitumen. By integrating experimental data with advanced modeling techniques, we aim to refine existing EOR strategies and explore emerging technologies like hybrid thermal-chemical processes. Future efforts will focus on field-scale implementation, optimizing nanoparticle formulations, and leveraging advanced modeling techniques to ensure more efficient and sustainable recovery practices.