Evaluation and Optimization of Hybrid Polymer-Assisted Carbonated Waterflood to Enhance Oil Recovery and CO2 Storage

Abstract

Hybrid polymer-assisted carbonated waterflood (PCWF) introduces synergetic effects due to multiple mechanisms (polymer rheology, geochemical reactions, and interphase transport of CO2 in crude oil/brine/mineral). This study simulates the hybrid process and investigates its performance in comparison to waterflood, polymer flood, and CWF. In addition, the robust optimization and Pareto optimality study maximize the net present value (NPV) and CO2 storage of PCWF. The optimum designs of PCWF increase NPV with 30% over waterflood and secure CO2 storage effect. This comprehensive study demonstrates the hybrid enhanced oil recovery/CO2 storage of the PCWF.