10.1007/s40089-018-0248-0

Enhanced oil recovery for emergent energy demand: challenges and prospects for a nanotechnology paradigm shift

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  • Richard O. Afolabi*1,
  1. Department of Petroleum Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, NG
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Published in Issue 2018-09-12

How to Cite

Afolabi, R. O. (2018). Enhanced oil recovery for emergent energy demand: challenges and prospects for a nanotechnology paradigm shift. International Nano Letters, 9(1 (March 2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40089-018-0248-0
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Abstract

Abstract Renewable and non-renewable energy sources remain the two fronts for meeting global emergent energy demand. Renewable energy sources such as crude oil, in meeting energy needs, is a function of new hydrocarbon discoveries and improving the recovery of existing oil fields. However, new crude oil discoveries are made at a decreasing rate; likewise, existing fields are at a declining phase with conventional recovery techniques not being able to produce as much as two-thirds of the oil in place. In complementing existing oil recovery techniques, research into the use of nanotechnology has emerged as a potential alternative for tertiary oil recovery scheme. Despite the promising results, there has not been any reported large-scale field application of nanotechnology in the oil and gas industry except for some small-scale field trials. In this paper, a detailed review of developments on nano-enhanced oil recovery (Nano-EOR) and its attendant challenges are presented. Furthermore, key recommendations were given for future research on Nano-EOR. While the adoption of new technologies has its associated risks, the future prospects of Nano-EOR remains very high.

Keywords

  • Nanotechnology,
  • Enhanced oil recovery,
  • Energy demand,
  • Paradigm shift
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