Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Oil reservoirs typically yield only a fraction of their total capacity through primary and secondary recovery methods. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques aim to extract the remaining oil by altering reservoir conditions and fluid interactions.
Chemical flooding involves injecting surfactants or polymers to reduce interfacial tension and improve oil mobility. Gas injection uses CO₂ or nitrogen to displace oil and enhance flow. Thermal recovery applies steam or heat to reduce oil viscosity.
The effectiveness of these methods depends on interfacial properties. Ultra-low interfacial tension between oil and water is essential for mobilizing trapped oil droplets. Wettability determines whether reservoir rock surfaces favor oil or water, influencing displacement efficiency. Dispersion stability ensures injected agents remain effective throughout the reservoir.
DataPhysics Instruments provide tools to measure these critical parameters. The SVT Spinning Drop Tensiometer measures ultra-low interfacial tension, a key factor in chemical flooding. The DCAT Tensiometer evaluates surface and interfacial tension, helping engineers understand fluid compatibility. The MultiScan system monitors dispersion stability, ensuring injected agents remain effective.
In R&D, these tools allow engineers to optimize surfactant formulations, gas injection strategies, and thermal recovery processes. In production, they support quality assurance by providing reproducible, automated measurements that ensure consistent performance.
EOR is not just about extracting more oil—it is about engineering complex fluid interactions to maximize recovery. DataPhysics Instruments empower engineers to achieve this control, driving efficiency and sustainability in the energy sector.