Kazuya Kobayashi

For the efficient recovery of oil and natural gas and the underground storage of carbon dioxide to reduce greenhouse gases, it is necessary to understand the flow of fluids in the small pores of rocks. Within rocks, minerals, brine, oil, natural gas, and carbon dioxide form multiple interfaces that govern the flow in these tiny spaces. My research focuses on elucidating the complex phenomena that occur between these multiple interfaces within rocks, aiming for efficient resource development and safe underground storage of carbon dioxide.
For instance, I study the characteristics of the water film present on the mineral surfaces inside rocks. Oil reservoirs, which are composed of oil-bearing formations, were filled with brine before the formation of the reservoirs. It is believed that a thin film of water forms on the mineral surfaces during the reservoir formation process. To connect the properties of this water film with the wettability of mineral surfaces after the establishment of the oil reservoir, I conduct research using tools with molecular-level resolution.