Date of Defense
11-5-2025 9:00 AM
Location
F1, 0046
Document Type
Dissertation Defense
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Department
Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
First Advisor
Prof. Basim Abu Jdayil
Keywords
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR); Ionic Liquids (ILs); Imidazolium-Based ILs; Emulsification; Interfacial Tension (IFT); Wettability Alteration; Imbibition; Flooding
Abstract
In response to the increasing global demand for energy and the limitations of traditional chemical oil recovery methods. This study explores the potential of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) agents for Emirati tight oil reservoirs. Four ILs—C10mimCl, C12mimCl, C12mimBF4, and C16mimBr—were evaluated for their effects on interfacial tension (IFT), wettability, emulsification, and rheological properties under reservoir conditions. Experiments conducted at varying temperatures (up to 110°C), IL concentrations (100–3000 ppm), and salinities demonstrated that longer alkyl chain ILs, particularly C16mimBr, effectively reduced IFT by >99% and improved wettability by lowering contact angles up to 15.37°. Statistical modeling and optimization using Design of Experiments (DoE) confirmed that IL type and concentration are key factors in maximizing EOR efficiency. Rheological analysis confirmed shear-thinning behavior and enhanced emulsion stability, especially with FB-C16mimBr achieving the lowest viscosities of 1.73 mPa·s and 0.71 mPa·s at 25°C and 80°C, respectively. Reservoir-scale assessments, including spontaneous imbibition, secondary, and tertiary flooding, indicated that ILs significantly improved oil recovery. Spontaneous imbibition with ILs increased recovery to 58.15% of OOIP compared to 16.72% of OOIP with formation brine alone. In comparison, tertiary flooding with C12mimCl and C16mimBr yielded additional recoveries of 21.39% and 26.15% of OOIP, resulting in a final recovery of 93.51% and 96.39% respectively. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and pressure monitoring revealed that IL viscosity, core permeability, and calcite stabilization were critical in optimizing oil displacement. The formation of Winsor Type III microemulsions facilitated capillary force reduction and mobilized trapped oil. These findings demonstrate that ILs offer an environmentally benign alternative to conventional surfactants, improving oil recovery through wettability alteration, viscosity reduction, and emulsion stabilization, thereby contributing to sustainable high-efficiency energy solutions.
Included in
UTILIZATION OF IMIDAZOLIUM IONIC LIQUIDS FOR ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY IN HARSH EMIRATI TIGHT CARBONATE OIL RESERVOIRS
F1, 0046
In response to the increasing global demand for energy and the limitations of traditional chemical oil recovery methods. This study explores the potential of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) agents for Emirati tight oil reservoirs. Four ILs—C10mimCl, C12mimCl, C12mimBF4, and C16mimBr—were evaluated for their effects on interfacial tension (IFT), wettability, emulsification, and rheological properties under reservoir conditions. Experiments conducted at varying temperatures (up to 110°C), IL concentrations (100–3000 ppm), and salinities demonstrated that longer alkyl chain ILs, particularly C16mimBr, effectively reduced IFT by >99% and improved wettability by lowering contact angles up to 15.37°. Statistical modeling and optimization using Design of Experiments (DoE) confirmed that IL type and concentration are key factors in maximizing EOR efficiency. Rheological analysis confirmed shear-thinning behavior and enhanced emulsion stability, especially with FB-C16mimBr achieving the lowest viscosities of 1.73 mPa·s and 0.71 mPa·s at 25°C and 80°C, respectively. Reservoir-scale assessments, including spontaneous imbibition, secondary, and tertiary flooding, indicated that ILs significantly improved oil recovery. Spontaneous imbibition with ILs increased recovery to 58.15% of OOIP compared to 16.72% of OOIP with formation brine alone. In comparison, tertiary flooding with C12mimCl and C16mimBr yielded additional recoveries of 21.39% and 26.15% of OOIP, resulting in a final recovery of 93.51% and 96.39% respectively. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and pressure monitoring revealed that IL viscosity, core permeability, and calcite stabilization were critical in optimizing oil displacement. The formation of Winsor Type III microemulsions facilitated capillary force reduction and mobilized trapped oil. These findings demonstrate that ILs offer an environmentally benign alternative to conventional surfactants, improving oil recovery through wettability alteration, viscosity reduction, and emulsion stabilization, thereby contributing to sustainable high-efficiency energy solutions.