Energy Recovery and Utilization

Scope:figure

The overall objectives of work in this research area are to maximize the recovery and efficient use of hydrocarbon energy resources.  The methods we use for energy recovery research include rock imaging, for example by CT scanning and electron microscope, to characterize pore structure, and a wide range of advanced computational approaches.  The computational approaches include three-dimensional morphologic analysis of pore space geometry from tomographic and computer-generated imaging of rocks, pore-scale capillary pressure and relative permeability modeling, pore-network and continuum modeling of multiphase fluid flow, and control and optimization of fluid-flow and geomechanical processes. 

A parallel area of interest focuses on the efficient and sustainable use of energy resources for industrial processes such as food production, and novel energy- and fuel-related concepts such as creating ethanol from corn, and hydrogen from methane.  In this area of energy utilization, we employ fundamental principles of thermodynamics to analyze industrial processes and reactions from the point of view of the most efficient use of finite resources.  

ESD Activities:

We are active in a number of projects.  Ongoing efforts include modeling of sedimentary reservoir rock genesis, including deposition, compaction, cementation, and fracturing as a way of understanding pore structure and its control on oil recovery.  From both the sedimentary rock modeling and imaging efforts, we develop micro-scale models for multiphase flow simulation.  Recent work on pore-scale imaging using the focused ion-beam approach (FIB) at the LBNL National Center for Electron Microscopy (NCEM) produced submicron-resolution images of diatomite and chalk, reservoir rocks from which it is notoriously difficult to extract oil.  In the area of continuum flow modeling, we use support-operator method to model flow in anisotropic, fractured, and deformable rocks, and we develop methods of incorporating sub-grid-scale processes for improving stability and accuracy of reservoir simulations.  We also conduct research and develop a technology of process-based control of fluid injection into fragile, low-permeability rocks, and the associated evaluation of rock damage and remote sensing of injection, production, and subsidence.  Other work has focused on counter-current imbibition, and diffusion of gaseous species in gas reservoirs under CO2 injection scenarios.  In the area of sustainable energy use, undergraduate students have assisted in the analysis of the overall energy requirements of manufacturing and using oxygenates such as MTBE and ethanol in gasoline, as well as future concepts involving producing hydrogen from natural gas. 

Details of these and other activities can be found at: 

Contact:

Tad Patzek
ph: 510.643.5834
email: patzek@patzek.berkeley.edu