In the quest to mitigate global climate change, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology has emerged as a pivotal strategy, and a recent study published in Energies sheds new light on its potential and challenges. Led by Mingzheng Qiao of Xi’an Jiaotong University, the research delves into the rheological properties of crude oil and produced emulsion from CO2 flooding, a process that combines enhanced oil recovery (EOR) with carbon storage.
The study, which examines the effects of dissolved CO2 on the viscosity, stability, and rheological properties of crude oil and produced fluids, offers critical insights for the energy sector. “Both dissolved CO2 in crude oil and emulsions exhibit non-Newtonian fluid behavior characterized by shear thinning, and the viscosity decreases with the increase in temperature and pressure,” Qiao explains. This finding is significant because it directly impacts the design of pipelines and selection of pumps in oilfield production processes.
One of the key takeaways from the research is the impact of dissolved CO2 on emulsion stability. “The increase in emulsion concentration and the increase in emulsification temperature are both conducive to improving the emulsification rate,” Qiao notes. This discovery could revolutionize how oil companies approach the treatment of produced fluids, which are different from those produced by water flooding. The special properties of CO2 and the oil displacement mechanism can cause the components of the produced fluid to gradually change, leading to more stable emulsions and increased difficulty in dehydration treatment.
The study also underscores the differences in CO2-EOR technology between the United States and China. While the United States has seen significant success with CO2-EOR, China is still in the early stages of commercial application. “The differences in geology and oil reservoirs between China and the United States result in a substantial gap in EOR production,” Qiao points out. This gap highlights the need for further research and development to optimize CO2-EOR technology for different geological conditions.
The commercial implications of this research are vast. As the world moves towards carbon neutrality, technologies that can enhance oil recovery while reducing greenhouse gas emissions will become increasingly valuable. The integration of EOR and geological carbon storage is emerging as a future trend, and this study provides a roadmap for how to navigate the complexities of CO2-EOR.
Moreover, the research highlights the importance of selecting the right demulsifiers and optimizing their concentration and demulsification temperature. The study found that the demulsification effects of different demulsifiers vary significantly, with some performing better than others under specific conditions. This information is crucial for oil companies looking to improve the efficiency of their production processes.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights from this study will play a crucial role in shaping future developments. By understanding the rheological properties of crude oil and produced fluids under CO2 flooding, companies can design more efficient pipelines, select better pumps, and improve oil–water separation processes. This not only enhances oil recovery but also contributes to significant reductions in CO2 emissions, offering both social and economic benefits.
The study, published in Energies, provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of dissolved CO2 on crude oil and produced fluids, offering valuable insights for the energy sector. As the world continues to grapple with climate change, research like this will be instrumental in developing technologies that can mitigate its impacts while also meeting the growing demand for energy.