Method for enhancing hydrocarbon recovery from tight formations

Patent · 04 September 2018

OSTI ID:1475579

Brady, Patrick V.; Bryan, Charles R.; Heneman, Helmuth J.

A method of increasing recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from subsurface reservoirs, and particularly from those located in tight formations, is disclosed. One aspect includes calculating the in situ fractured formation wettability from real-time measurement of flowback volume and composition. Another aspect includes determining the composition of the fracturing fluid, the overflush or both, that will achieve higher liquid hydrocarbon recovery by increasing the water wettability of rock surfaces within the reservoir. Monitoring of rock-surface wettability through flowback volume and composition profiles allows the above mentioned injectates to be adjusted in the field to achieve maximal recovery. Other methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (Albuquerque, NM)
• Patent Number(s): 10,066,471
• Application Number: 14/976,102
• OSTI ID: 1475579
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English