Application of Microwave for Core Plug Cleaning

Abstract

Rock extraction is a particularly major step for the preparation of rock samples for core analysis, it can be performed by many traditional techniques like Soxhlet, centrifuge, and flooding system. In this study, a new technique was suggested for core cleaning by microwave. New experiments were conducted as part of this research project, focusing on the cleaning of several types of core plugs under different conditions such as temperature and solvent volume. Additionally, the goal was to extract hydrocarbons from naturally saturated reservoir rocks that had been prepared for standard testing. These findings were then compared with the conventional method of cleaning samples using an organic solvent, specifically toluene.

The experiments successfully employed microwave technology for the cleaning process, effectively optimizing key variables including time, temperature, energy, and solvent quantity. The operational duration was set at 3 hours per day, using 20 ml of solvent, following numerous trials and iterations. This method allowed for the extraction of crude oil from 36 plug samples while achieving complete cleanliness of the rocks. Conducting porosity tests before and after the cleaning procedures showed the absence of any damage to the rock samples. Notably, there was an observed alteration in granular size within an acceptable range of 0.02 to 0.6. Further analyses were conducted, including gas chromatography and infrared analysis, both of which indicated that microwaves had no adverse effect on the crude oil extracted. Conclusively, the use of microwaves in the cleaning of rocks appears as a harmless, economically viable, environmentally friendly technique. The feasibility of this method was proved at the laboratory level, showcasing its potential for wider application.