Next-Generation Polymer Flooding for Enhanced Oil Recovery: A Critical Review of Nano-Reinforced Formulations, Hybrid Injection Strategies, and Data-Driven Performance Forecasting

AL-Dujaili, Ahmed N.; Wei, Zhao; Ghurab, Ali S.

doi:10.63463/kjes1252

Authors

¹ Petroleum Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.

² Hydrogeology Department, Engineering and Oil and Gas Geology, Satbayev University, Kazakhstan.

³ Petroleum Engineering Department, Faculty of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Sana’a University, Yemen.

Document Type : Review Article

10.63463/kjes1252

Abstract

Traditional polymer flooding for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) suffers from shear instability, poor low-permeability injectivity, and viscosity loss in high-salinity, high-temperature reservoirs. This review critically assesses emerging polymer flooding technologies—including nano-reinforced polymers, hybrid injection techniques, and machine learning-based performance predictions—from 21 publications between 2020 and 2026. Nano-reinforced polymer flooding yields recovery factors (RF) of 44–72% of original oil in place (OOIP), with silica nanoparticles reaching displacement efficiencies up to ~94% and reversing contact angles from ~72° (oil-wet) to ~115° (water-wet). Hybrid injection (polymer-enhanced foam, CO₂-aided surfactant/polymer, and CO₂-cyclic solvent injection) achieves maximum recoveries of 70–97% OOIP via combined mobility reduction and ultra-low interfacial tension (10^{-3} mN/m). Capsule polymer flooding demonstrates delayed thickening (resistance factors increasing from 2 to 25–32), making it ideal for high water cut and offshore wells. Critical performance factors include optimal nanoparticle concentration (0.25–0.5 wt%), type and shape (SiO₂ > Al₂O₃/TiO₂; fibrous > spherical), salinity/temperature tolerance, and reservoir heterogeneity. Key challenges include nanoparticle agglomeration/retention, high synthesis costs, gas channeling, and limited understanding of long-term reservoir impact and scalability. Next-generation systems will feature smart responsive polymers, sustainable nano-enhancers, real-time digital twins with adaptive control, and reservoir-specific customization protocols.

Keywords

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Kerbala Journal for Engineering Sciences (KJES)

Next-Generation Polymer Flooding for Enhanced Oil Recovery: A Critical Review of Nano-Reinforced Formulations, Hybrid Injection Strategies, and Data-Driven Performance Forecasting

References

References

Volume 6, Issue 2June 2026Pages 218-253

Volume 6, Issue 2
June 2026
Pages 218-253