Application of Novel Advanced Numerical Modeling of Black Nanosheet for Improved Oil Recovery: Laboratory - To Field-Scale

Abstract

Black Nanosheet (BNS) flooding has shown potential for improving oil recovery in low-permeability reservoirs, but its application at the field scale is still limited because the transport and displacement behavior of BNS can not yet be represented reliably in conventional reservoir simulators. In this study, laboratory experiments were integrated with numerical simulations to develop a reliable BNS flooding model and evaluate its applicability in the H Block. The experimental work focused on the main processes that affect BNS performance in porous media, including interfacial behavior, adsorption, and displacement characteristics. The experimental results were incorporated into a quasi-isothermal multiphase and multicomponent reservoir model to describe the main mechanisms involved in BNS flooding. The model was first applied to one-dimensional displacement simulations to assess the influence of different factors and the calibrated model was then extended to a field-scale geological model of the H Block. The results indicate that BNS enhances oil recovery primarily by reducing oil–water interfacial resistance and shifting the rock surface toward a more water-wet state, and promoting the further displacement of oil left behind after water flooding. Simulation results suggest that a relatively lower injection rate, moderate injection timing and injection volume could achieve excellent enhanced oil recovery effect, and provide additional recovery potential in the H Block when the injection scheme is properly designed and matched with reservoir conditions. This work provides a practical modeling route for evaluating BNS-assisted oil recovery and supports the design of BNS flooding schemes for low-permeability reservoirs.