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Mixed Gas Technology (EORGAS) for Enhancing EOR or IOR Economics
Benefits of the EOR or IOR Mixed Gas Technology:
- EORGAS, is a mixture of gases used for enhancing EOR/IOR Economics.
- EORGAS, when operating under low pressure and immiscible conditions, can recover oil 2X faster than a pure high pressure CO2. (carbon dioxide)
- The EORGAS mixture lowers IFT (Interfacial Tension), requires only 4-6 mcf/bo recovery, increases matrix permeability (if swelling clays are present), mobilizes asphaltenes, aids conformance, and is produced on site.
- Existing oilfield tubulars are protected by the presence of CO and another additive to minimize corrosion. Carbon monoxide is a strong reducing agent that reacts with any corroded/oxidized tubular Fe+3 iron to reduce the oxide to a low-reactive FeO form. This FeO is also known as the mineral “wustite”.
EORGAS is a patented technology. Additional patents are pending.
How Does EORGAS Process Work?
EORGAS, is a mixture of CO2 + N2 + minor CO. (Its nickname is CO2+!) Fortunately, EORGAS is also tolerant to minor amounts of H2, CHn, H2Ov, and other gases. Thus production costs are significantly lowered. The CO (carbon monoxide) is the “workhorse” of the gas mixture. Proven to lower IFT, aid conformance, mobilize asphaltenes, increase rate of oil recovery, minimize mcf/bo requirements, and allow operations at low pressures and immiscible conditions.
The unique triple bonding, and polarity of the CO molecule results in:
- a small molecular diameter
- low solubility in water (as compared to CO2)
- migration to oil-rich, tight, bypassed zones
- IFT-lowering, and
- mobilization of asphaltenes.
- The combination of these geochemical properties results in a very unique oil recovery-enhancing, immiscible, mixed gas technology.
For additional information refer to World Oil article (May, 2018) and SPE Paper 179540.
What About Safety?
Five years of laboratory work developing EORGAS has shown utilizing CO, as a minor portion of the CO2/N2/CO mixed gas, can be done safely.
- CO is far safer to work with than H2S (hydrogen sulfide) due to its being 15X less toxic than H2S and it does not accumulate in topographically low areas.
- Dilution of the CO with CO2 and N2 further ensures a higher level of operating safety.
- Field operations are continuously monitored by both simple home-type CO monitors and personal monitors to provide safe, on site operations for both the workers and the general area.
Environmental Aspects
Use of the mixed gas (EORGAS) does not result in the emissions of any greenhouse gases such as CO2.
Since the EORGAS can be produced on site, while also producing steam for production of electrical energy, a “green” energy supply is available.
The mixed gases of CO2 and CO are sequestered within the reservoir. Any non-sequestered CO can readily be oxidized to CO2 and then also sequestered.
Has EORGAS Ever Been Permitted?
Yes, the State of Wyoming permitted EORGAS injection under a Sundry notice. Permission is in process for injection of EORGAS at the Bean Unit Waterflood project site located in Nebraska.
Supportive Data
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