Contemporary Methods for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Obtaining oil from various mediums within the earth has always presented itself with a multitude of challenges, ranging from physical limitations and saturated operating capacities to ineffective cost saving measures and technological deficiencies. However, as research and technology has greatly improved our understanding of how to obtain oil, so has our methods and ultimately has led to the creation of innovative EOR techniques. Newly discovered techniques include the likes of the use of radio frequencies, various fungi species, carbon dioxide binding compounds from plants, as well as, ground-breaking extraction. While each has its own set of drawbacks, each of these techniques has surely produced game changing EOR techniques that are promising in nature by decreasing the carbon footprint exerted on the atmosphere and providing methods that produce less waste, in addition to, being more economic in nature.

Use of Radio Frequencies

One particular innovative EOR technique that has been recently utilized is efficient in nature and takes advantage of radio frequencies (RF). Antennae are placed within a well bore and emit these radio frequencies resulting in the presence of increased energy within molecules, specifically water molecules. Due to the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of both oil and water, respectively, the water must be removed to create the crude oil product. With the addition of RF and the subsequent rise in energy of the water molecules, the water molecules change from a liquid state to a gas state, producing steam which is evaporated out of the oil. This technique is special in that it producing no carbon footprint, while simply altering the matter state of water and extracting it from the oil source. Additionally, no harmful solvent or chemicals are involved in the process, leading to a much cleaner execution and no end product waste to eliminate, something that can be very costly in high volumes.

Increasing Viscosity with Fungi

Another innovative EOR technique that is in its infancy involves using the fungus species Schizophyllum commune, commonly referred to as the split gill mushroom. This biopolymer is used as a thickening agent with water in oil sources. As the biopolymer continue to increase the viscosity of the water solution, oil can be separated and then pumped out. The amazing aspect of this game changing EOR technique lies in the fungi’s special properties and resiliency. Specifically, it has a high threshold to not only temperatures, but also to, salinity, making it a perfect tool for obtaining oil in oceans and places such as the Middle East. Overall, this solution is one of the enhanced oil recovery methods that on the surface, seems to be the most adept to offshore drilling where the salinity levels in oceans are at its highest.

Carbon Dioxide Salt Fixation

EnPro Process was not to be outdone, however, in developing their own green enhanced oil recovery method with the use of plants. Plants naturally take in carbon dioxide (CO2), which can be extracted through various methodologies. In this case, the carbon dioxide is extracted though the use of two indigenous plants from the UAE and is then used to bind salt within high salinity environments, thus isolating the crude oil product. This method has been tested to yield high percentages of oil, but has not yet been tested on larger scales where there are sure to be numerous challenges with logistics and up-sizing the operations.

Sand Oil Extraction via Centrifuge

Lastly, a new technique that has been utilized to recover oil is through a multi-step extraction and separation process. Oil can be found within sands, normally a nature result of pollution; however, these oils can be isolated and reused. The process involves excavating large amounts of sand and pulverizing them into larger clumps. These clumps are then placed into a solvent mixture and subsequently centrifuged to separate the oil and sand. To remove the solvent that was used, it is simply evaporated off, indicating that it has a low boiling point and thus does not require a high amount of heat or energy. The technique allows for the solvents to be recycled, as well, so that they are not made into waste, in addition to, creating a high yield of bitumen oil, the primary goal.

The Future of Oil Mining and Enhanced Oil Recovery

While mining for oil is certainly not a new undertaking by human beings, it certainly has received a face lift with the advancement of knowledge in the field and enhanced oil recovery methods. Not only are we promoting more effective tools to retrieve oil at high yields, but we are also concentrating on methods that help to reduce the carbon footprint that is placed on the atmosphere through oil mining and aiming to recycle any byproducts that may be left over from the overall process. It is safe to say that these aforementioned innovative EOR techniques and game changing EOR techniques are only a handful of ideas that have been tested out thus far. It can be assumed that through the use of modern engineering, there will be many more to come with even better results for yield and the overall welfare of the planet.