Studies of Porosity and Adsorption in Oil Reservoir Rock
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
This project aims to develop approaches to create models of porous rock, as might be found in oil reservoirs, which can be used for the development of new approaches to understanding water flooding within the rock. The project will have several broad aims: 1) characterise the adsorption and structure of surface layers of organic molecules adsorbed on real reservoir rock, 2) develop parameters to characterise the different kinds of organic material that might be adsorbed on the rocks, 3) prepare synthetic porous beds with similar adsorption and other physico-chemical characteristics to the real rock, and 4) characterise and compare the wettability of real and synthetic rocks.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Stuart Clarke (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Belinda Fonseka (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/P510440/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2022 | |||
| 1800592 | Studentship | EP/P510440/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/12/2020 | Belinda Fonseka |
| Description | We have mapped the minerals present in real reservoir samples to understand what surfaces we need to investigate. We have then tried to reverse engineer the samples by considering the real reservoir rock and how we can break it down into relevant surfaces: this means that we are looking at only the minerals which matter. From here we have used analytical techniques (specifically thermal decomposition, as well as more bespoke microscopy such as atomic force microscopy) to determine what has been left on the surface, and what molecules should be further investigated. We have also shown how a simple fatty acid binds on to the surface of calcite (calcium carbonate) using bespoke techniques. |
| Exploitation Route | Mineral mapping of complex systems will allow understanding of how minerals are connected throughout a real sample. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy,Environment |
| Description | Some of the new analytical techniques that have been screened for understanding of the surfaces of interest regarding how oil sticks onto rocks, have now been used in-house to enhance understanding further. This means that the company can now say with more confidence what surfaces are of interest. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2018 |
| Sector | Chemicals,Energy |