Synergy of CO₂ Mineralization in Produced Water with Enhanced Oil Recovery: An Experimental Study

Addressing climate change necessitates innovative strategies to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, significantly contributing to global warming. While traditional CO₂ sequestration in geological formations is a viable mitigation method, it often presents high costs and logistical challenges. This study proposes a novel, cost-effective approach integrating CO₂ mineralization with produced water treatment to enhance oil recovery (EOR). By mixing CO₂ into produced water and subsequently adding sodium hydroxide (NaOH), we facilitate the precipitation of valuable minerals, specifically brucite (Mg(OH)₂) as a surface process, which is then filtered out, improving water quality and making it efficient for EOR. Our findings demonstrate that the resulting treated water, referred to as “smart water,” increases oil recovery by 22.2% compared to conventional water flooding, highlighting the dual benefits of this mineralization process. Comprehensive analyses employing zeta potential measurements, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), interfacial tension (IFT) measurements, and contact angle assessments elucidate significant alterations in wettability and interfacial properties due to brucite precipitation. This innovative method not only enhances oil recovery and produces valuable minerals but also plays a crucial role in reducing CO₂ emissions by transforming produced water into a resource for carbon mineralization. By utilizing this approach, we mitigate the environmental impact of CO₂ while demonstrating the potential to turn produced water into a sustainable solution for EOR. The novelty of our study lies in its integrated benefits, which combine mineralization, enhanced oil recovery, and CO₂ emission reduction, offering a cost-effective and environmentally responsible strategy for the oil and gas industry.