Multifunctional Evaluation of a New Supramolecular Complex in Enhanced Oil Recovery, Removal/Control of Organic Damage, and Heavy Crude Oil Viscosity Reduction

The development of new technologies based in the design and application of new molecules to solve problems related to the removal and control of formation damage by organic deposition and viscosity reduction of heavy crude oils as well as to increase the oil recovery factor is an important challenge in the oil industry. This experimental study reports the influence of a novel supramolecular complex on the removal/control of organic deposition and enhanced oil recovery processes through core displacement tests at reservoir pressure and temperature conditions. In addition, its capabilities as viscosity reducers for heavy crude oils are also reported. Three different Mexican brine/rock/crude oil systems were used to evaluate the multifunctional properties of the novel supramolecular complex. Results showed a good performance of the capabilities of the supramoleailar complex tested to reduce the viscosity, to remediate organic damage, and to enhance the oil recovery factor. In order to explain the results obtained, an interaction mechanism between the new complex and crude oil heavy fractions on the porous medium is suggested and discussed in which phenomena such as oil disaggregation, wettability alteration, and viscosity reduction take place to carry out an increase of the oil recovery factor and efficient removal of organic damage.