mike onyekonwu

Using Corey model for determining relative permeability in a two-phase flow in porous media has been a remarkable achievement; however, determining the correct exponents for relative permeability to oil and water still remains a challenge. In addition, laboratory obtained relative permeability data is very essential because it is more reliable despite being tedious and expensive. In this work, laboratory relative permeability values were obtained with exponents of 3.39 and 3.22 for Kro and Krw respectively as against the closest Corey exponents of 3.3 and 3.2 for Kro and Krw respectively. These results and the assumed Corey exponents of 3.5 and 3.1 for Kro and Krw respectively selected in error were used to show how seemingly insignificant errors in Corey exponents can be magnified when used for calculations in reservoir studies. Therefore, in this study obtaining laboratory relative permeability data is emphasized since it captures most rock properties that affect relative permeability which Corey models do not consider.

In the oil and gas industry, different kinds of nanoparticles have been studied and reported to enhance various oil and gas operations. In this review however, the focus is on identifying different applications of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles in the petroleum industry because of its various potentials. Al2O3 nanoparticle has been reported to be a good enhanced oil recovery agent that can alter rock wettability, reduce oil viscosity and reduce interfacial tension between oil and water. Al2O3 nanoparticle militates against kaolinite mobilization during hydrocarbon production, improves rheological properties in drilling fluids, improves the quality of cementation during well installations, and improves engine performance and thermal efficiency in brakes. Al2O3 nanoparticle has the capacity to inhibit growth of microbes, it is a catalyst in crude oil refining, it eliminates asphaltene from crude oil and is used to detect water oil interface. In biodiesel, Al2O3 nanoparticle reduces emissions and enhances fuel consumption.