Economic Optimization of Enhanced Oil Recovery and Carbon Storage Using Mixed Dimethyl Ether-Impure CO 2 Solvent in a Heterogeneous Reservoir

Kwangduk Seo, Bomi Kim, Qingquan Liu and Kun Sang Lee ()
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Kwangduk Seo: Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
Bomi Kim: Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
Qingquan Liu: School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Kun Sang Lee: Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-24

Abstract: CO 2 is the main solvent used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). However, its low density and viscosity compared to oil cause a decrease in sweep efficiency. Recently, dimethyl ether (DME), which is more efficient than CO 2 , has been introduced into the process. DME improves oil recovery by reducing minimum miscible pressure (MMP), interfacial tension (IFT), and oil viscosity. Since DME is an expensive solvent, price reduction and appropriate injection scenarios are needed for economic feasibility. In this study, a compositional model was developed to inject DME with impure CO 2 streams, where the CO 2 was derived from one of these three purification methods: dehydration, double flash, and distillation. It was assumed that such a mixed solvent was injected into a heterogeneous reservoir where gravity override was maximized. As a result, lower oil recovery is achieved for the higher impurity content of the CO 2 stream, lower DME content, and more heterogeneous reservoir. When a high-purity CO 2 stream is used, the change in oil recovery according to DME content and heterogeneity of the reservoir is increased. When the lowest-purity CO 2 stream is used, the net present value (NPV) is the highest. For a homogeneous reservoir, the NPV is highest for all impure CO 2 streams. This optimization indicates a greater impact on revenue from reduced CO 2 purchase cost than on profit loss due to reduced oil recovery by impurities. Additional benefits can be expected when considering solvent reuse and carbon capture and storage (CCS) credits.

Keywords: dimethyl ether (DME); impure CO 2; water-alternating-gas (WAG); heterogeneous reservoir; enhanced oil recovery (EOR); economic evaluation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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