DI is especially known for its expertise and experience in improved oil recovery technology. This technology ranges from improved waterflooding technology to the more sophisticated chemical, gas, and thermal processes. Particular expertise has been developed in the improvement of sweep efficiency using polymers, chemical gels, and mechanical flow regulation systems.

A major effort has been given to the application of carbon dioxide to the fields in Mississippi for the recovery of oil. Particular attention has been focused on similar situations where carbon dioxide can recover a significant amount of oil under immiscible conditions.

DI has also had considerable experience in the use of horizontal laterals to improve the performance of waterfloods and enhanced oil recovery processes. Through the use of horizontal laterals, it is possible to recover oil more quickly and to develop the reservoir on wider spacing than is possible with conventional vertical wells.

DI has recently updated its knowledge in the use of air injection technology for the improved recovery of oil. Most of the recent industry interest has been in light oil reservoirs where the benefits arise from the in-situ generation of a flue gas. The process is considerable for (1) deep reservoirs where miscibility with oil can be expected, (2) steeply dipping reservoirs where a gravity-stabilized process can be established, and (3) other reservoirs where gas-displacement and pressure maintenance will be useful.

Typical Projects 

• Research and development of a horizontal well process for the improvement of waterflood recovery through sweep improvement.
  
  
• Evaluation of several reservoirs in Mississippi for the application of carbon dioxide flooding.
  
  
• Principal investigator for a Small Business Innovative Research program for evaluating mobility control agents for improved recovery from carbon dioxide flooding.
  
  
• Development of enhanced oil recovery prospects in Mexico and Venezuela.
  
  
• Assessment of the state-of-the art of steamflood technology.
  
  
• Field-wide simulation of a polymer flood in a field in India.|
  
  
• Chief Technical Advisor for a UNDP enhanced oil recovery program in India.
  
  
• Served on a National Petroleum Council team to update EOR reserves in the US.