Mechanistic study of nanoparticles-assisted xanthan gum polymer flooding for enhanced oil recovery: a comparative study

Abstract Recently, nanoparticle additives have been used to improve stability and hence efficiency of chemicals during enhanced oil recovery. Herein, a comparative analysis the application nanoparticle-stabilized xanthan gum for recovery applications was investigated. The nanoparticles as are silicon oxide (SiO 2 ), metallic aluminium (Al O 3 titanium (TiO ). Rheological measurements were carried out examine shear viscosity polymeric nanofluids under range salinity typical reservoir conditions. Interfacial tension (IFT) experiment conducted using Kruss tensiometer. Oil displacement studies incremental factor nanofluids. exhibited better rheological behaviour compared bare (XG) polymer. At 0.5 wt.% concentration, polymer shearing rate 10 s −1 , NaCl rheology result shows that SiO -XG, Al TiO -XG is 423 mPa.s, 299 293 respectively. Moreover, lowered IFT oil/brine interface due adsorption at interface. Finally, confirms after water flooding by 28.4%, 27.6%, 25.2%,