LSU Invention Could Double Oil Production

Oil wells initially produce only a fraction of the oil in the reservoir. Even the most advanced recovery techniques, which are costly, leave behind 50% of the resource.

LSU researchers have patented a practical solution that boosts recovery rates to up to 95%, an advance that could disrupt the energy industry. The technology can be applied to mature oilfields, offshore production, new wells, and orphan wells.

“The economics are a no-brainer here for several reasons. The recoveries are extremely high,” Petroleum Engineering Emeritus Professor Dandina Rao said. “The process is simpler and cheaper than the methods now used for enhanced oil recovery. The environmental impact is much lower.”

Oil from shale formation wells is the reason the United States became the world’s largest oil producer. But the initial recovery from those wells is dismal, 10% or less of the total reserves, which means thousands of wells must be drilled each year to maintain production levels. Meanwhile, secondary and tertiary enhanced oil recovery techniques are expensive and typically max out at about 50% of the reserves.

The recoveries for Rao and Postdoctoral Researcher Bikash Saikia’s process – based on laboratory experiments conducted with realistic reservoir conditions and computer modeling – range from 65%-95%.

They call their process Gas-Assisted Gravity Drainage (GAGD). A single injection well forces CO2 or other gases, such as the flue gas produced by burning fuel at industrial and power plants, into the ground above the reservoir. The gas pushes the oil from the rock into the wellbore. The oil flows to the producing end of the well and up to the surface.

“Three mechanisms work together – film flow, gravity drainage, and displacement – to get these extremely high recoveries,” Rao said. “We sweep the entire reservoir.”

Typical enhanced oil recovery methods require drilling several injection wells and halting production while the wells are drilled and gas or liquids are injected to stimulate the reservoir. Rao’s approach also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Once the oil stops coming out, the operator stops injecting carbon dioxide and other gases. The gases stay underground, helping reduce emissions while generating carbon credits.

“One of our goals at LSU is developing cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy production and use. This technology could be a game changer for the energy industry, while helping protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions,” said Robert Twilley, vice chancellor of research and economic development.

Gas-Assisted Gravity Drainage is Rao’s fourth patent at LSU. He credits the LSU Office of Innovation & Technology Commercialization (ITC) for helping him work through the patent process.

“We are excited about working with Dr. Rao to find a licensing partner who can commercialize his discovery,” said Grace Myers, ITC senior commercialization officer.