Oil emulsions in naturally fractured Porous Media

Abstract

Most of the studies regarding the formation and stability of emulsions focus on the conditioning and management of crude oil on surface facilities. Since a great deal of the crude oil produced is in the form of stable emulsions, it is often claimed that these emulsions are formed through chokes and other flow constrictions in oil field equipment. However, emulsions are produced in wells, which not only lack these constrictions but also are produced at low flow rates, demonstrating the fact that emulsions can be formed within the well itself. The present work reviews the literature regarding the formation and properties of heavy and extra-heavy oil emulsions in naturally fractured porous media due to the current relevance that these types of crude oil exploitation take, satisfying the hydrocarbon energy demand. Moreover, emulsions have received more attention recently since they can be formed in-situ and improve oil recovery. To understand the flow mechanics of emulsions in porous media, different models to describe their transportation are presented. Finally, the formation of emulsions in the reservoir for enhanced oil recovery purposes, including the use of nanoparticle-stabilized emulsions is discussed.

Keywords

Oil emulsions / Naturally fractured / Porous media / Heavy and extra-heavy oil / Transportation / Enhanced recovery

Acknowledegments

The Authors thank Funding from PAPIIT TA100917 and CONACYT 280816. Also, the Authors acknowledge the support of División de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, School of Engineering, UNAM during the development of this work.

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