2. Nanoparticles as Potential Agents for Enhanced Oil Recovery

The application of nanoparticles to enhanced oil recovery (EOR) especially at a laboratory scale has become a commonplace method. Given their small sizes, nanoparticles can easily disperse in the porous media and mix more easily with the reservoir fluids unlike conventional chemicals such as polymers and/or surfactants. The larger size of the chemicals increases their adsorption capability on the rock surfaces which results in an undesirable effect on their performance efficiencies and application. Nanoparticles during EOR processes can be used as nanofluids, nano-emulsions, nanoadsorbents or nanocatalysts. Nonetheless, in each recovery process, numerous mechanisms occur that can enormously reduce the trapped oil, which can extend the well productivity. Extensive research has been reported on the use of nanoparticles in EOR ranging from simple imbibition tests and core flood experiments to pilot plant applications. In this chapter, we reviewed some of the common types of nanoparticles evidenced for EOR application. We then addressed some of the stabilization techniques of the nanofluids before their dispersion as secondary and/or tertiary agents in hydrocarbon reservoirs and hence improve or enhance oil recovery. Lastly, we provide an overview of the operating parameters, mechanisms that govern nanoparticle performance during oil recovery, and an overview of the current environmental and economic concerns of using nanoparticles for improving oil recovery.