Laboratory Investigation of Miscible CO2-Induced Enhanced Oil Recovery from the East-Southern Pre-Caspian Region

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques are essential for maximizing hydrocarbon extraction from mature reservoirs. CO2 injection (CO2-EOR) is a promising technology that improves oil recovery while contributing to greenhouse gas reduction. This study investigates the potential of miscible CO2-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) in the MakXX oilfield of southeastern Kazakhstan. The aim is to assess oil displacement efficiency and its impact on key rock properties, including porosity, permeability, and mineral composition, under reservoir conditions. Core flooding experiments were conducted at 13 MPa and 42 °C using high-precision equipment to replicate reservoir conditions. The core was analyzed before and after CO2 injection using SEM, EDS, and XRD. The results revealed a 54% oil recovery efficiency, accompanied by a 19% decrease in permeability and 8% reduction in porosity due to mineral precipitation and clay transformation. These findings provide insight into the performance and limitations of CO2-EOR and support its application in similar lithology. To confirm and upscale laboratory observations, numerical simulation was conducted using a compositional model. The results demonstrated improved oil recovery, pressure stabilization, and enhanced sweep efficiency under CO2 injection, supporting the scalability and field applicability of the proposed EOR approach.