Enhanced Oil Recovery methods on offshore fields in the light of world literature

Abstract

Enhanced Oil Recovery methods (EOR) are known since long time, but in recent years they have been used primarily in the U.S. mostly for research purposes. The increased interest in their use was in the 70's of the twentieth century, and associated with the increase in oil prices. Currently for several years there has been a return to the these methods, including offshore fields. Experience in the application of EOR methods in Poland is small, currently no exploitation is carried out using them. The purpose of this article is to present the current trends and latest technologies in enhanced oil recovery methods in terms of the applicability by the Polish oil companies. Statistical data of current and planned EOR methods in the world with special emphasis on offshore reservoirs is presented. Current trends in technological development of EOR methods are given, both which are still in the phase of laboratory tests and the first tests on fields such as: carbon dioxide flooding, water alternating gas injection, low salinity water injection, carbonated water injection, conventional technologies of polymer gels and thermally activated polymers.