The complexity of the structure of hydrocarbon reservoirs requires the use of new technologies to develop some of them, which requires modern research methods and tools. In recent years, significant advances have been made in microfluidic technologies. The capabilities and benefits of using microfluidic platforms to study reservoir systems and optimise enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques are being actively explored. Based on a review of the literature and the results of studies, the authors show how microfluidics can accelerate and improve laboratory investigations, and provide successful examples of how leading oil and service companies around the world are using these technologies to study reservoirs. The paper also discusses the application of microfluidic techniques optimisation of various EOR methods, study of low permeability reservoirs, optimisation of hydraulic fracturing design, analysis of PVT properties of reservoir fluids. The results of joint studies conducted by Gazprom Neft Companу Group and LABADVANCE LLC using microfluidics are briefly described, including determining the dew point of the gas condensate mixture, screening surfactants, and defining the minimum miscibility pressure. The article focuses on promoting and popularising microfluidic technology as a modern and effective tool for solving new challenges in reservoir studies.
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