Low salinity water and polymer flooding in sandstone reservoirs: Upscaling from nano-to macro-scale using the maximum energy barrier

In this work, the flooding processes of low salinity waterflooding and polymer (LSWF LSP) in sandstone reservoirs were mechanistically modelled at nano-and macro-scales. Triple-layer surface complexation models utilised to simulate interactions oil-brine sandstone-brine interfaces. The Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory was applied describe stability interfacial films crude oil-brine-sandstone rock systems. novel application maximum energy barrier (MEB), calculated from interaction potential DLVO theory, as an upscaling interpolant parameter adjust relative permeability curves a function reservoir properties is proposed work. Numerical simulations using commercial simulator CMG-STARS used tandem with film analysis evaluate performance LSWF LSP reservoirs. Results numerical showed that gave significantly higher oil recovery compared standard because its utilisation wettability alteration due improved mobility control LSP. A comparison between studied injection i.e. high waterflooding, flooding, revealed result than control. Further indicated temperature affects favourably, slug viscosity unfavourably. However, effect on found be more pronounced. workflow presented study provides valuable guidelines screening appropriate for applications simulation techniques through nano-to-macro-to-field scale.