Evaluation of rock-fluid interaction in an enhanced recovery process by injection of chemical formulation

Abstract

The rock-fluid interaction is associated with formation damage and occurs due to the introduction of foreign fluids that cause chemical and physical imbalances in the rock matrix and in the fluids insides, which reduces the permeability of formation The objective of the research is to evaluate properties of rock-fluid interaction in an improved recovery process. The research is developed on a laboratory scale with injection of chemical formulation, in search of alternatives for the improvement of oil production and the increase of the recovery factor of the reservoirs. Wettability tests and physical-chemical characterization of the injected fluids and effluents (total dissolved solids, density, conductivity, chloride, calcium, magnesium and pH) were carried out before and after contact with the formation. Based on determinations of density, water and sediment content, asphaltenes and rheological behavior, the characterization of the crude oil from the Seboruco well was carried out, as well as the layer water that was analyzed for its ionic composition and its classification. Such tests indicated a heavy and pseudoplastic crude oil, and a sodium hydrocarbonated layer water. The rock-fluid interaction tests showed significant changes in the wettability of the rock, from to oil-wet to water-wet. The analyzes of the effluents corroborated ionic exchange in the rock-fluid system such as: The increases in pH and increased content of chloride, calcium and magnesium obtained during the formulation step, which in some way favored the displacement of crude oil in the porous medium.