Abstract
To address the complexity of mechanisms and the limitations of modeling microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) in heterogeneous oil reservoirs, this study develops a reaction kinetics–flow coupling model that integrates key oil displacement mechanisms, including crude oil viscosity reduction, biopolymer-induced mobility control, and reduction of oil–water interfacial tension. The model systematically characterizes the multiscale interactions between microbial activities and the physical processes of oil reservoirs. Considering the heterogeneity of oil reservoir structures and microbial physiological behaviors, a numerical simulation method was established that is suitable for complex oil reservoir environments. Multi-source experimental data were introduced for parameter inversion and model validation to ensure physical reliability and broad applicability. Simulation results reveal that initial microbial concentration, injection rate, and nutrient ratio exert significant and nonlinear impacts on oil recovery. The innovation of this research lies in the first realization of multi-mechanism coupled dynamic modeling for the MEOR process, the proposal of quantitative characterization methods for key physico-chemical interactions, and the construction of a field-adaptive, efficient oil reservoir simulation platform. This study provides systematic and quantitative technical support for mechanistic understanding, sensitivity analysis, and field engineering optimization of MEOR in oil reservoirs.
