HPAM-reinforced CO2 foam reduces mobility, boosts oil recovery
A new CO2 foam formulation shows promise in improving oil recovery and carbon storage by significantly reducing gas mobility in reservoirs.
A new CO2 foam formulation, reinforced with HPAM polymer, has shown potential to enhance oil recovery and carbon storage by improving the control of CO2 mobility in underground reservoirs. The study, published in Geoenergy Science and Engineering, demonstrates that the polymer-reinforced foam can increase flow resistance by up to seven times compared to conventional foams, preventing CO2 from moving inefficiently through porous media.
The experiments were conducted under conditions simulating real reservoir environments, with pressures of 90 bar and temperatures of 40°C. Researchers tested the foam on sandstone cores of varying lengths, observing its behavior as it moved through the porous medium. The results showed that the polymer-reinforced foam not only reduced CO2 mobility but also maintained high flow resistance even after chemical injection ceased, indicating a persistent effect.
The study also found that the foam generated greater resistance at entry zones, slowing its propagation inward and potentially improving CO2 redistribution within the reservoir. This behavior could lead to better oil displacement and reduced early gas channeling. However, further research is needed to evaluate its performance in oil-saturated cores and under field conditions, as the current experiments did not include oil in the cores.
The HPAM-reinforced CO2 foam represents a significant advancement in managing gas mobility during carbon storage and enhanced oil recovery. By improving flow resistance and retention, it supports more efficient reservoir sweep and CO2 sequestration, aligning with global efforts to reduce emissions. This innovation could enhance the viability of carbon capture and storage in the energy sector.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.