Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) continues to show potential for delivering incremental production, but there is often a limited time window for reaping the economic benefits. Also, advanced techniques or solvents that work well in the laboratory or on paper sometimes yield fewer promising results when taken to the field. Additionally, many EOR schemes struggle to progress beyond piloting because of high upfront investment, uncertainty in future demand for hydrocarbons, and logistical challenges.
The industry clearly needs creative solutions that are affordable and operationally flexible, and the three papers selected for this Technology Focus highlight some innovative approaches that aim to unlock those extra barrels.
The first paper, OTC 36263, describes a polymer-encapsulation technique to avoid mechanically induced shear degradation in the injection network, which is a particular concern in offshore applications. It is paramount that the chemical entering the reservoir is the same chemical that was injected at surface.
Progressing EOR applications in the Permian Basin is the subject of the two other selected papers. Paper SPE 230249 investigates the potential of implementing in-situ combustion for light oils and suggests, based on combustion-tube tests, that the process is feasible and may be considered as an alternative to refracturing. Piloting would be required to assess economic viability.
Water-alternating-gas (WAG) is a proven EOR method, with numerous large-scale deployments around the world. Shorter WAG cycles improve volumetric sweep, yet operational constraints may limit the actual cycle switching frequency. Paper SPE 230250 introduces a novel technique for coinjection of gas and liquid to create multiple slugs in the wellbore to yield better conformance while maintaining a low surface pressure. Whereas current pilots have targeted huff ’n’ puff operations in tight oil reservoirs, the modular nature of the surface equipment may find application also in conventional reservoirs.
I hope that you will be inspired by reading the three papers.
Summarized Papers in This June 2026 Issue
OTC 36263 Encapsulated Polymer Technology Overcomes Shear Degradation and Injectivity Loss Offshore by Celia Silva, SPE, Guillaume Dupuis, SPE, and Thierry Leblanc, SNF SA
SPE 230249 Test Proves Validity of In-Situ Combustion in the Permian Basin by Hao Ye, Leila Karabayanova, SPE, and Eduardo Orozco, SPE, Texas A&M University, et al.
SPE 230250 Novel Gas-/Liquid-Coinjection EOR Process Enters the Permian by Stuart L. Scott, SPE, David Schechter, SPE, and Gordon Pospisil, SPE, EOR ETC, et al.
Recommended Additional Reading
SPE 227134 Integration of Viscosity/Density Measurements Into an Untethered Logging Tool for Rapid Downhole Polymer-Degradation Monitoring of EOR Fluids by Miguel Gonzalez, Aramco, et al.
SPE 229715 Transformative Jet-Pump Well Diagnostics Using Surface Data in Polymer-EOR, Gaugeless Wells by Priyam Ghosh, Cairn, et al.
SPE 230245 Novel Ester-Based Surfactant To Enhance Oil Recovery in Tight Oil Reservoirs by A. Castel, Oleon, et al.
Kristian Mogensen, SPE, is a subject-matter expert on phase behavior at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s Thamama Excellence Center. Additionally, he oversees the design of limited-entry liners for long horizontal wells and steers development of compositional, integrated asset models for production-system optimization. Before assuming his current role, Mogensen worked 12 years on enhanced oil recovery for Maersk Oil, Eni, and ADNOC. He was the recipient of the SPE 2020 Regional Reservoir Description and Dynamics Award and was an SPE Distinguished Lecturer for 2022–23. Mogensen’s publications include 60 SPE papers, 20 peer-reviewed journal papers, and more than 20 patents. He holds MS and PhD degrees in chemical engineering from the Technical University of Denmark and serves as chair of the JPT Editorial Review Board.
