A large part of the oil fields in Ecuador are in their stage of production decline. For this reason, it is necessary to apply secondary and improved recovery methods that allow increasing the recovery of oil, thereby increasing the recoverable reserves. This through the development of different research projects that involve the different phases of the improved recovery of Hydrocarbons.
Goals:
Determine the applicable methods of improved hydrocarbon recovery for Ecuadorian deposits.
Develop a theoretical-experimental protocol for the selection of surfactants and other components in chemical recovery process designs, necessary for the optimal modification of interfacial properties in hydrocarbon-water systems.
Explain why there is an optimum salinity, in terms of maximizing the recovery of hydrocarbons, from the brine used in water injection projects.
Explain the reasons why surfactants of different types make synergy with regard to the decrease of interfacial tension in hydrocarbon-water systems.
Perform a petrochemical geochemical study, in order to establish the compartments and subcompartments that structure the Auca and Tetete fields of the eastern basin.
Financed by: Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Budget: $180,000.00
Status: Active (70%)
Participants:
PhD. Ricardo Paredes (Director - FICT)
Ing. Bryan Medina (FICT)
MSc. Kenny Escobar (FICT)
MSc. Danilo Arcentales (FICT)
Ing. Xavier Salas (FICT)
PhD. Luis Javier Álvarez (UNAM)
PhD. Ana Fariñas Sánchez (Universidad Simón Bolívar)
Proyects:
- Theoretical-experimental development of chemical formulations to be used in projects of improved hydrocarbon recovery.
- Dynamics of formation of nano-structures of surfactants in alkane-water interfaces.