HYDROCARBON RECOVERY ENHANCEMENT METHODS USING LOW SALINITY CARBONATED BRINES AND TREATMENT FLUIDS

摘要

Methods and systems are provided for enhancing hydrocarbon recovery by the use of treatment fluids comprising low salinity carbonated water. Certain embodiments comprise forming a carbonated aqueous solution formed of either fresh water or low salinity water and introducing the carbonated aqueous solution into a formation to enhance hydrocarbon recovery from the formation. Low salinity brines may be used in lieu of or in combination with the foregoing fresh water. The carbonated water or low salinity carbonated brine may be introduced as a treatment fluid through a secondary well and used to provide a motive force to sweep the hydrocarbons towards one or more production wells. The carbonated water may be produced at a well site through a desalination process that uses naturally occurring brine as its feed.