The Application of Direct Current Potential to Enhancing Waterflood Recovery Efficiency

摘要

Advantages of direct current (DC) application, concurrently with water-flooding, in mobilizing trapped oil is investigated. Application of DC on completely water swept core recovered 3-9% additional oil, which is slightly less when DC is applied from the beginning of waterflooding process. Reduced water requirement (15-22%) and permeability enhancement up to 40% are found to be added benefits. The effect is more pronounced in higher permeability core and higher density oil. These phenomena are attributed to formation of clay colloids and mobilization of trapped oil along with connate water due to the added dynamics of electrokinelic and electrochemical processes.