Patent · US Active

Waterflooding injectate design systems and methods

US8812271B1 · kind B1 · utility

6Cited by
0References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 6, 2011
Grant dateAug 19, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 4, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC09K8/58
  • WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method of designing an injectate to be used in a waterflooding operation is disclosed. One aspect includes specifying data representative of chemical characteristics of a liquid hydrocarbon, a connate, and a reservoir rock, of a subterranean reservoir. Charged species at an interface of the liquid hydrocarbon are determined based on the specified data by evaluating at least one chemical reaction. Charged species at an interface of the reservoir rock are determined based on the specified data by evaluating at least one chemical reaction. An extent of surface complexation between the charged species at the interfaces of the liquid hydrocarbon and the reservoir rock is determined by evaluating at least one surface complexation reaction. The injectate is designed and is operable to decrease the extent of surface complexation between the charged species at interfaces of the liquid hydrocarbon and the reservoir rock. Other methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.