Visualization study of the effects of oil type and model geometry on oil recovery under ultrasonic irradiation in a glass micro-model

If the current trends of oil recovery from the oil reservoirs continue, the level of oil production will significantly reduce soon. This intense reduction will challenge the current methods for enhanced oil recovery since they will lose their capability and efficiency to meet the required targets. Accordingly, applying new and efficient methods to improve oil recovery are essential. In this study, ultrasound waves were applied to investigate its effect on oil recovery during distilled waterflooding under temperature control. The effect of ultrasound on the oil recovery was studied in a glass micro-model for different model geometries. Experiments were conducted using two types of oil (different in their viscosities) and micro models (different in their geometries). One of the micro models had three types of different geometries and fluid after passing through each geometry enters into the next geometry. Results showed that ultrasonic waves improved oil recovery, oil mobility and eventually oil percolation paths. However, the ultimate recovery of the oil not only depends upon the viscosity of the oil but also the geometry of the micro-model used. The effect of ultrasonic waves was more significant for the oil with lower viscosity. The ability of ultrasonic waves on fluid flow in a porous medium depends on the stratigraphy and geometry of these media. Consequently, if ultrasonic waves are used for EOR/IOR, the type of oil and geometry of porous media should be considered.