Research

Development of low cost chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods has become a necessity for the global oil industry to meet rising energy demand. Our research focusses developing diverse reservoir centric advance EOR formulation supplemented by understanding basic rock-fluid interaction and the associated pore scale fluid flow via experimental and computational approaches. The RRFI lab is currently carrying out research to understand very fundamental question on how conventional polymeric solutions flow though micro-pores and contribute to microscopic oil displacement by virtue of its viscoelastic characteristics. Additionally, the lab is also involved in developing low cost and high efficiency advance materials based EOR formulations which can demonstrate exceptional long term stability under high temperature environment.

Traditionally chemical demulsifiers are used along with heat treatment to separate produced well fluid into cleaner oil and wastewater. However, these traditional chemical demulsifiers which often contains surfactants and organic solvents underperform against complex crude composition that forms extremely stable emulsions. In addition, their extensive chemical composition contributes to a significant environmental footprint and higher product cost. Our research focuses on developing tailored and sustainable demulsification solutions for challenging emulsified systems. We design and develop next-generation demulsifier formulations, including magnetically recoverable and reusable demulsifiers, polymeric nanocomposite-based formulations, and other functional materials for efficient oil-water separation. These solutions emphasize high performance, reusability, minimal chemical footprint and low energy consumption. We have successfully developed demulsifier formulations for some of the most challenging oilfields in Northeast Eastern Region of India.

Ensuring uninterrupted flow of high-wax crude oil in transportation pipelines remains a critical challenge for oilfield operators, particularly in colder regions or areas experiencing seasonal temperature variations. Wells producing such crude oils often face severe flow assurance issues, including elevated pumping pressure requirements, wax deposition, flow instability etc. Our research focuses on developing alternative flow assurance additives capable of functioning as viscosity reducer, pour point depressant and wax inhibitor. These additives are based on environmentally sustainable and cost effective composites materials in contrast to conventional polymeric flow improver.