Microfluidic technology in oil and gas reservoir development: Applications and challenges

Abstract Microfluidic technology, as an advanced experimental technique at the microscale, demonstrates significant potential for application in oil and gas reservoir development. By constructing microscopic models with varying pore structures and surface chemical properties, this technology can simulate fluid displacement behaviors in different types of reservoirs. Through the modification of fluid properties and displacement conditions in experiments, it allows for the quantitative analysis of fluid distribution characteristics during displacement processes. This provides valuable technical tools for studying the microscopic mechanisms of CO₂ flooding, chemical flooding, and other enhanced oil/gas recovery techniques. This paper reviews the unique advantages of microfluidic technology in revealing pore-scale transport behaviors and optimizing development strategies, while also analyzing the current challenges associated with its application. With advancements in materials science and manufacturing technologies, microfluidic technology is expected to play an increasingly prominent role in reservoir development, offering new technical support for the efficient development of oil and gas reservoirs.