Title : Enhanced oil recovery in Iran’s fractured carbonate reservoirs: A sustainable strategy integrating economics, environment, and artificial intelligence
Abstract:
Iran has one of the most abundant hydrocarbons resources in the world. It has huge reserves of oil and gas, which makes it an important player in the global energy market. Most fractured carbonates in Iran have poor primary and secondary recovery factors due to their large extent of natural fractures and high heterogeneities. In light of constant oil demand and ever-changing dynamics of the market, adopting advanced Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques can help increase production capacity, improve energy security, financial benefits, and proper management of the resources. This paper evaluate qualitative screening and comparative assessment of sustainable EOR Technologies for Iranian naturally fractured carbonate reservoirs. More attention will be paid to those methods, which successfully manage matrix-fracture interaction, reservoir heterogeneity, and fluid flow. Hybrid and integration-based approaches appear to be more successful since they utilize a combination of complementary approaches that compensate for the weaknesses of other methods, such as inadequate conformity control and premature breakthrough in fractures, thus resulting in improved total recovery and higher sustainability.
Recent developments reveal the increased focus on EOR innovations and improvements, especially in the case of complex carbonate rocks. Increased patenting and publication activity demonstrate increased attention to developing smart and environmentally friendly methods. In this development, the key importance is given to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These tools make possible to conduct a detailed analysis of a reservoir, perform quick scenarios evaluation, achieve process optimization in real time, manage uncertainties, and model the flow of fluids in fractured rocks. AI-assisted optimization offers promising opportunities to develop customized hybrid EOR systems. In addition, such methods are capable of meeting environmental targets, such as greenhouse gas reduction and chemical and energy minimization. Through a multidisciplinary approach that consists of techno-economic analysis, life cycle environmental assessment, and artificial intelligence-based optimization, this paper suggests sustainable ways of revitalizing the mature oil fields in Iran. The use of such factors not only provides a practical pathway for maximizing recovery but also corresponds to the goals of the energy transition process by ensuring sustainable and resilient extraction.
