An experimental study of the effects of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticlesin enhanced oil recovery (EOR)

Over the past decade, the use of nanoparticles to improve the process of enhanced oil recovery(EOR) has received much attention from researchers. Most nanoparticles are described as an EORchemical process in which wettability conditions are altered, interfacial tension is lowered, andviscosity is altered to aid oil recovery[۱-۳]. The main goal of this work is to investigate the effectof graphene oxide nanoparticles in EOR. So first, Graphene oxide was synthesized by the modifiedHummer method and nanofluid was prepared using it. Nanofluid effects on surface tension,interfacial tension, wettability, viscosity, density, and recovery factor at ۵۰ ppm and ۱۰۰ ppm wereexamined. Graphene oxide nanoparticles are stable in water due to the electrical charge beingnegative of nanoparticles in water. However, adding salt nanofluids decreases stability. Tostabilize the graphene oxide salt water, Several methods were used, but the best way is adding astabilizing agent. The results of the study showed that graphene oxide nanoparticles reduceinterfacial tension, reduce the contact angle of a drop of oil and a slight increase in viscosity anddensity. Reducing the interfacial tension increases the recovery factor. The results of thewaterflooding show an increased recovery factor when injecting graphene oxide nanofluids withsalt ۱۰۰۰۰ PPM. In nanofluid injection, due to the lack of stability of nanoparticles in porous mediapressure increases. the methods required for the stabilization of the nanoparticle in the reservoiroil and should be further investigated.