Adaptation of a new core holder for oil displacement experiments supporting enhanced oil recovery operations

Abstract

This dissertation describes the modification and validation of a core flooding equipment used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) research. This work focused on adapting the GEOLOGIKA PIK-OFP oil displacement equipment (unit B), originally designed for 110 mm-diameter cores, to accommodate 38.1 mm-diameter cores, which are more affordable and accessible. This project motivation stemmed from the lab operating below its full experimental capacity, due to the high cost and scarcity of the 110 mm-diameter cores. The project began with the reactivation and functional assessment of Unit B (after a prolonged period of inactivity). Following this, the equipment large-diameter core holder was removed, and a small-diameter core holder was installed in its place. A complete change of the tubing and valve layout was then carried out, first verified on paper and then implemented on the equipment. To support the modification procedure, process flow diagrams were created to provide a clearer visualization of the changes and their impact on the overall operation of the equipment. All modifications were carried out in a reversible manner, ensuring that the system could be restored to its original configuration if needed. Next, to verify not only the proper functioning of the modified equipment but also its capability to perform EOR protocols - as it is designed for this purpose - several tests were conducted, including core packing and waterflooding experiments in full six-cores assemblies, phantom cores, phantom and sandstone (4 cm-long) cores, and in Berea 30 cm-long sandstone cores. The system was further tested under reservoir pressure and temperature conditions. Finally, complete EOR protocols were conducted to confirm the system's operational readiness. In these protocols, relevant information about the oil recovery from the core with different flooding fluids is obtained. The work reported in this dissertation achieved all its major objectives. Unit B was successfully reactivated and its functionality validated. The original core holder and system layout were successfully replaced and adapted, and the newly developed setup was tested extensively. These tests confirmed the core's sealing integrity, the expected flow pressure behavior, and overall operational readiness. The modified equipment also performed well under reservoir pressure and temperature conditions, validating its operational robustness. Furthermore, the execution of EOR protocols, confirmed the suitability of the new setup for future EOR experiments. For the host institution, the solution developed represents a significant enhancement on the laboratory capabilities, enabling more frequent and parallel EOR experiments while eliminating dependency on expensive, large-diameter cores.