Tertiary oil recovery (EOR) equipment is crucial for enhancing the recovery of oil from reservoirs after primary and secondary recovery methods have been exhausted. Better Petro, a leader in EOR technology, has developed advanced equipment designed to improve oil recovery rates, including chemical flooding, microbial injection, and offshore polymer injection systems.

Their products, such as mobile chemical flooding stations, triplex polymer injection pumps, and microbial displacement systems, are designed to meet the growing demands of the oil industry. Through continuous research and development, Better Petro has earned numerous patents, contributing to more efficient and sustainable oil extraction processes.

Introduction to Tertiary Oil Recovery (EOR) Equipment

Tertiary oil recovery, often referred to as enhanced oil recovery (EOR), represents the final phase of oil extraction from reservoirs after primary and secondary recovery techniques are no longer sufficient. This process involves implementing advanced technologies to extract additional oil that remains trapped in the reservoir. EOR techniques are critical for maximizing oil recovery, particularly in aging oil fields where traditional methods have fallen short.

Types of EOR Equipment

EOR technology incorporates a range of equipment designed to facilitate different methods of enhanced oil recovery.

Some of the most common EOR techniques include chemical flooding, microbial injection, and thermal recovery methods.

The equipment used for these processes plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of the recovery process.

1. Chemical Flooding Equipment

• Chemical flooding is a popular EOR method that involves injecting chemicals, such as polymers or surfactants, into the reservoir to reduce the viscosity of oil and improve its flow rate. This technique helps in displacing more oil from the reservoir by altering the properties of the oil and reducing its surface tension. The equipment for chemical flooding typically includes mobile chemical flooding stations, which are equipped with chemical injection pumps and storage units.

2. Microbial Injection Equipment

• Microbial injection is another EOR technique that leverages the use of microorganisms to enhance oil recovery. This method involves injecting beneficial microbes or their metabolites into the oil reservoir to break down hydrocarbon molecules, enhancing oil mobility. The microbial injection systems are equipped with specialized injection pumps and monitoring systems to optimize the microbial activity within the reservoir.

3. Polymer Injection Systems

• Polymer injection systems are widely used in EOR to improve the sweep efficiency of oil recovery. These systems involve injecting specially formulated polymers into the reservoir to increase the viscosity of the injected fluid, ensuring that the oil moves more effectively toward the production wells. Polymer injection equipment typically includes triplex polymer injection pumps, flow meters, and monitoring tools to track the injection process.

Benefits of EOR Equipment

The deployment of EOR equipment has several benefits for the oil and gas industry:

1. Increased Oil Recovery Rates: By implementing EOR methods, oil companies can achieve recovery rates of up to 30-60% of the original oil in place, compared to the 10-20% typically recovered through primary and secondary recovery methods. This significant increase in recovery rates translates to higher profitability for oil producers and extended life for aging oil fields.
2. Reduced Environmental Impact: EOR technologies often use water-based chemicals, reducing the environmental footprint compared to traditional oil recovery methods. For example, microbial injection not only enhances oil recovery but also has a lower impact on the environment by using naturally occurring microorganisms, reducing chemical usage and minimizing environmental hazards.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: While EOR methods require an initial investment in specialized equipment, these costs are often offset by the increased production levels and extended life of oil fields. By recovering more oil, oil companies can generate additional revenue, making EOR technologies a cost-effective solution for many operators, especially in mature oil fields.

Technological Advancements in EOR Equipment

EOR technologies have evolved significantly, with a focus on developing more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.

Modern EOR equipment incorporates advanced technologies, such as:

• Real-time Monitoring and Control Systems: These systems allow operators to monitor oil recovery processes in real-time, enabling adjustments to injection rates, chemical concentrations, and microbial activity. This helps optimize oil recovery and minimizes waste.
• Injection Pumps and Mobile Units: The use of mobile chemical flooding stations and triplex pumps has improved the efficiency of chemical and polymer injection processes. These units are easier to deploy and maintain, ensuring faster recovery times and better control over the injection process.
• Microbial Injection Systems: Advances in microbial technology have led to the development of specialized injection systems that are capable of deploying the right strains of microorganisms that break down oil molecules more effectively. These systems are crucial for improving oil recovery in hard-to-reach and aging oil fields.

Case Studies of EOR Success

Numerous case studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EOR technologies in the oil industry.

For instance, chemical flooding has been successfully implemented in large-scale oil fields in the United States, significantly increasing oil recovery rates. Similarly, microbial injection has been employed in offshore oil fields, where traditional recovery methods were proving less effective.

These case studies highlight how targeted use of EOR equipment can lead to substantial increases in oil production, reduced environmental impact, and more sustainable oil recovery processes.

Conclusion

EOR equipment is essential for enhancing oil recovery from aging and mature oil fields.

By implementing techniques like chemical flooding, microbial injection, and polymer injection, oil companies can extract additional oil from reservoirs that would otherwise remain untapped.

Advances in EOR technologies continue to improve the efficiency and environmental impact of oil recovery, offering economic benefits to the industry while extending the life of oil fields.

As the oil industry continues to adapt to global energy demands, EOR technologies remain a vital component of the industry’s efforts to maximize oil recovery and minimize environmental impacts.