The Properties of Microcellulose as Enhanced Oil Recovery Agent

The important factors in petroleum production are the nature of the reservoir rock surface and the interaction between oil and water in the reservoir. Both of these factors can affect microscopic efficiency in increasing oil recovery. In this study, microcellulose (MCC) was tested as a potential agent to increase oil recovery. MCC is used to decrease interfacial tension between oil and water. MCC is a cellulose with particle size ranging from 30 nm to 20μm. This study aims to determine the effect of MCC on interfacial tension between oil and water. MCC is obtained through the process of cellulose hydrolysis isolated from corncob. The results of hydrolysis reaction were characterized using FTIR, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The particle size was determined using Particle Size Analyzer, and interfacial tension measurements using du nouy tensiometer. The results of the study obtained MCC as a result of hydrolysis reaction with an average diameter particle size of 2.9 μm and 14 μm. The experimental results show that the addition of MCC with particle size 14 μm can reduce interfacial tension between oil and water from 11.3 mN/m to 6.85 mN/m, and the addition of MCC with particle size 2.9 μm can increase interfacial tension between oil and water from 11.3 mN/m to 21.74 mN/m. According to these data MCC has the potential to be used as an economic and environmentally friendly oil recovery agent. (paper)