Recuperação avançada de petróleo utilizando a solução BIO-ASP como fluido de injeção

Abstract

The alkali-surfactant-polymer process (ASP) involves injecting an aqueous solution containing alkaline substances, surfactants, and polymers into an oil reservoir to enhance oil recovery. While combining features of miscible methods and polymer injection, ASP projects are often costly due to the complexity of the chemical compounds used. Alternatives like MEOR (Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery) present similar physical and chemical characteristics, allowing for comparable increases in recovered fractions. This study focuses on assessing the efficiency of a solution composed of alkali (sodium carbonate), biosurfactant (surfactin), and biopolymer (xanthan gum) (Bio-ASP) as an advanced oil recovery fluid. Before the experimental phase, technological prospecting mapped the use of fluids containing surfactants, polymers, biosurfactants, biopolymers, and ASP solutions in EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) processes. Experiments used a core holder with rock samples from the Botucatu formation, simulating reservoirs with an average permeability of 348 mD and a temperature of 60 ºC. The crude oil was obtained from the Carmópolis field, with a 25.72 ºAPI. Synthetic production water was injected to saturate rock samples and recover oil in the secondary stage. Tests evaluated the influence of compound concentrations, interfacial tension, and viscosity on oil recovery. Secondary-stage oil recovery factors ranged between 30-36% of OOIP (Original oil in place), within the reported literature range. The optimal composition of the Bio-ASP fluid achieved a recovered oil fraction of 63.15% in the advanced stage. According to technological prospecting, the combination of alkali with biosurfactant and biopolymer emerges as an innovative fluid for EOR processes. Thus, this study is essential for investigating the effectiveness of each compound in advanced oil recovery, making it attractive for potential real-scale applications.