Modeling of Enhanced Oil Recovery Using Nanofluid

Abstract Nanofluid flow in porous media was modeled for enhanced oil recovery. The effects of parameters such as the matrix porosity, nanoparticles, and diffusion coefficients on the oil recovery factor were reported. The velocity, temperature, and oil saturation contours were examined. The study showed that the oil recovery and heat transfer were enhanced by the use of a nanofluid. A 30 % and 10 % increase in the oil recovery factor were found using the Al 2 O 3 ‐water nanofluid as compared to water and the polystyrene‐water nanofluid, respectively. The temperature in the porous matrix was significantly reduced by the Al 2 O 3 ‐water nanofluid as compared to the polystyrene‐water nanofluid and water. In the future, this model could be used to screen the performance of other chemical agents and eventually lead to a more efficient and sustainable oil extraction process.