Partnership with research group from

University of Texas – Austin

The research objective is to develop Chemical EOR for HTHP Carbonate Reservoirs

The goal of this collaboration is to develop chemical EOR solutions for HPHT carbonate reservoirs as well as developing a fundamental understanding of EOR capabilities for such reservoirs. Collaborators at both institutions defined the following tasks to achieve the program goals: synthesis and development of a chemical formulation for carbonate reservoirs; mobility control & process development; core-scale and pseudo pilot simulation.

Students and research associates at both institutions will conduct the research. Cross-placement of researchers will run continuously between the two teams to maintain support of technology transfer, exchange ideas and collaboration on research tasks. Students study abroad and summer research experience are an integral part of this program.

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Partnership with research group from

University of Edinburgh

The objective does research in Advance Hybrid Method for Pore-Scale Simulation of Shale Gas Flows

The 3-year Partnership comprises fundamental research, simulation technology development, undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, and continuing professional development at KFUPM. The integrated research and education activities are four-fold:

1. A fundamental joint research program on multi-scale direct simulation techniques for the non-equilibrium flow of dense gas in complex porous media;
2. Development new and user-friendly computational software for predicting the gas flow properties of ultra-tight shale rock;
3. Technology transfer of the developed software to KFUPM through a tailored training course.
4. New education courses for students in KFUPM on multi-scale computational engineering techniques appropriate for the oil/gas industry.

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Partnership with research group from

Cornell University

The objectives are the development of research teams from Cornell University and KFUPM will work collaboratively to establish a strategic and sustainable partnership to transform both and become the premier campuses for Colloids and Interfaces for E&P. The nanomaterial for EOR engineered to develop technologies with the required performance and stability profile for development in oil-reservoirs.

The research portfolio is two thrusts:

1. New CO2 foam stabilized by anisotropic nanoparticles.
2. In-situ generation of CO2 and surfactants by nanoparticles stabilized emulsions.

The partnership involves the development of new scientific tools for the fundamental understanding of materials interactions to minimize colloidal aggregation as well as adsorption to the rock especially in the high temperature/high salinity reservoir environment. The new techniques are measurements for intermolecular (interparticle) interaction using X-ray techniques and isothermal titration calorimetry (to provide complete thermodynamic profiles of interaction)

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Partnership with research group from

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

This partnership aims to establish a Center for Excellence in Multiscale Reservoir Science.

The collaborative research in this partnership is focusing on three thrusts:

1. Combined active/passive seismic imaging: the overall objective of this research is to develop technologies for better characterization of the subsurface, with specific emphasis on fractured media.
2. Simulation-experimental study of coupled flow and geomechanics: This research thrust involves the study of 3D fracture network resulting from hydrofracturing operations taking into account the coupling between flow and mechanics, rock fracture properties, and naturally distributed fracture networks.
3. Pore-scale study of multiphase: the fundamental objective of this research thrust is to develop a computational method for enhanced understanding and robust prediction of multi-phases flow at the pore scale, with an emphasis on the impact of wettability and phase behavior on enhanced oil recovery.

The partnership includes several mechanisms aimed to maximize knowledge transfer including short- and long-term visits by MIT and KFUPM faculty, senior researchers, and students. Annual meetings at KFUPM and MIT.

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Partnership with research group from

Stanford University

Predictive rules for Development of Carbonate Platforms

The overarching goal of this partnership is to build capacity within CPG in the area of carbonate depositional processes. The collaborative research program focuses on developing predictive rules for the characteristic of carbonate reservoir that incorporate the combined influences of physics, chemistry, and biology in the formation, deposition, and early diagenesis of carbonate platform strata. The research program comprises original field research on exceptional outcrop exposures of carbonate depositional systems in Italy, outcrops of Khuff Formation in Saudi Arabia.

The partnership provides the students with fundamental tools to approach any future problem in carbonate sedimentation. The partnership involves mutual short and long visitations of faculty and students and development and delivery of new courses.

Program Leaders

Partnership with research group from

University of Western Australia

Experimental studies of EGR/EOR from Carbonates and Tight Formations

This partnership targets building the NMR capabilities at KFUPM. The partnership program will progress through two broad themes:

1. The first theme focuses on both implementing existing NMR techniques across both institution and developing new NMR techniques, collectively aimed at improved rock core characterization, particularly as they pertain to enhanced oil and gas recovery.
2. The second theme focuses on in situ NMR measurements during actual core flooding relevant to enhanced oil and gas recovery, as well as associated measurements for wettability alterations.

The partnership aims to maximize knowledge transfer through exchange visits of faculty and student and detailed NMR training.

Program Leaders