Abstract: A method of assessing the response of a reservoir rock to low salinity water includes obtaining a formation core sample of a reservoir rock from a reservoir. In addition, the method includes sequentially washing the formation core sample with a first series of solvents to form a first series of solvent extracts and an extracted formation core sample. Further, the method includes sequentially washing the extracted formation core sample with a second series of solvents to form a second series of solvent extracts and a cleaned formation core sample. The method also includes generating a series of mass spectra of the second series of solvent extracts. The relative abundance of the catecholamine-type structures (CTS) is determined using the series of mass spectra. Still further, the method includes subjecting the formation core sample to analysis by X-ray diffraction to generate a diffraction pattern. The relative abundance of kalonite is determined using the diffraction pattern.

Abstract: A method for analysing a crude oil to determine the amount of organic acid compounds contained in the crude oil includes extracting the organic acid compounds from a sample of crude oil to form an extract and determining the amount of the extracted organic acids In addition, the method includes dissolving the extract in a polar solvent to form a solution of the extracted organic acid compounds Further, the method includes introducing a sample of the solution of the extracted organic acid to an apparatus including a reversed phase liquid chromatography (LC) column and a mass spectrometer (MS) arranged in series. The reversed phase LC column contains a hydrophobic sorbent and the mobile phase for the LC column includes a polar organic solvent.

Abstract: A method for detecting incremental oil production from an oil-bearing reservoir includes taking a baseline sample of the oil and analyzing the baseline sample of oil to establish a baseline compositional signature for the oxygen-containing organic compounds in the oil. In addition, the method includes commencing a low salinity waterflood by injecting a low salinity water into the reservoir from an injection well. Further, the method includes recovering oil from a production well. Still further, the method includes taking post-flood samples of the oil produced from the production well over time. The method also includes analyzing the post-flood samples of oil to establish post-flood compositional signatures for the oxygen-containing organic compounds in the oil. Moreover, the method includes identifying a difference between one or more of the post-flood compositional signatures and the baseline compositional signature that is characteristic of incremental oil released by the low salinity waterflood.

Abstract: A method for analysing a crude oil to determine the amount of organic acid compounds contained in the crude oil includes extracting the organic acid compounds from a sample of crude oil to form an extract and determining the amount of the extracted organic acids In addition, the method includes dissolving the extract in a polar solvent to form a solution of the extracted organic acid compounds Further, the method includes introducing a sample of the solution of the extracted organic acid to an apparatus including a reversed phase liquid chromatography (LC) column and a mass spectrometer (MS) arranged in series. The reversed phase LC column contains a hydrophobic sorbent and the mobile phase for the LC column includes a polar organic solvent.

Abstract: A method for detecting incremental oil production from an oil-bearing reservoir includes taking a baseline sample of the oil and analyzing the baseline sample of oil to establish a baseline compositional signature for the oxygen-containing organic compounds in the oil. In addition, the method includes commencing a low salinity waterflood by injecting a low salinity water into the reservoir from an injection well. Further, the method includes recovering oil from a production well. Still further, the method includes taking post-flood samples of the oil produced from the production well over time. The method also includes analyzing the post-flood samples of oil to establish post-flood compositional signatures for the oxygen-containing organic compounds in the oil. Moreover, the method includes identifying a difference between one or more of the post-flood compositional signatures and the baseline compositional signature that is characteristic of incremental oil released by the low salinity waterflood.