An experimental study has investigated enhanced oil recovery (EOR) through CO2 injection in shale oil reservoirs within the Ordos Basin. The technique, known as CO2 flooding, aims to increase the amount of extractable crude oil from low-permeability rock formations. The results suggest that this methodology can be an effective strategy for optimizing production in these types of reservoirs.

The research focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of the interaction between CO2 and oil within the porous microstructures of shale. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology was used to characterize how CO2 diffuses, dissolves, and displaces oil within the rock pores, providing a detailed insight into the process efficiency at a microscopic level. This approach allowed for the quantification of oil recovery under different pressure and temperature conditions.

The findings of this study are relevant to the oil industry, as they address the challenge of extracting resources from unconventional reservoirs, which are becoming increasingly important. Optimizing CO2 flooding can not only improve the profitability of extraction but also offers potential for carbon sequestration by injecting CO2 underground. Future research could explore the application of these techniques in other geological formations and refine operational parameters to maximize the process's efficiency and sustainability.