Enhanced oil recovery for siliciclastic reservoirs using alcoholic micellar solutions: performance evaluation in core flooding systems

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) assumes a fundamental role in augmenting reservoir productivity through chemical methods. The optimal selection of injection fluids becomes pivotal for managing surface and interfacial tension while altering rock wettability to enhance water affinity. This study investigates alcoholic micellar solutions for EOR in siliciclastic reservoirs, utilizing lauryl alcohol surfactant, 1-butanol as an amphiphilic solvent, and distilled water. The characterization of these systems encompassed micellar diameter, conductivity, and surface tension, which validated the micellar structures in these systems. EOR tests achieved a remarkable oil recovery of up to 74% with a mere 10% of active matter. Wettability tests exhibited a crucial contact angle of 27.8 degrees for water, indicating favorable oil displacement conditions. This research unveils the potential of alcoholic micellar solutions in EOR, emphasizing the significance of tailored injection fluids to enhance reservoir management and productivity.