Characterization and modification of fluid conductivity in heterogeneous reservoirs to improve sweep efficiency
After the depletion of the pressure gradient within the reservoir, it is desirable to begin secondary oil recovery. One factor which largely effects the efficiency of secondary is the degree of macroscopic heterogeneity in the formation. Large scale permeability disparities cause drive fluids to by-pass regions of the formation which are lower in permeability. By-passing causes the majority of the drive fluid to sweep the same area of the reservoir, depleting it of its oil. The low permeability regions remain unswept and the oil in this region remains in place. After breakthrough of the drive fluid, it becomes even easier for injected fluids to channel through the swept zone causing the ratio of oil to drive fluid produced to decrease. To improve the efficiency of oil production operations, the injection fluid needs to be diverted from the high-permeability, oil-swept zones into the low-permeability unswept zones. Many fluid diversion strategies exist, each well suited for specific situations. The specific treatment strategy will be efficient only if it is designed with consideration of the reservoir structure. One of the most important aspects of designing a fluid diversion treatment it to choose the best treatment for the type of heterogeneity present in the oil reservoir. Furthermore, once the type of treatment has been choosen,it must be properly designed to optimize the treatment's ability to divert fluids into low permeability, unswept zones. This research focuses on characterization of heterogeneous porous media, and the development of profile modification techniques.
- Research Organization:
- Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC22-89BC14474
- OSTI ID:
- 5056259
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/BC/14474-9; ON: DE92016857
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
HETEROGENEOUS EFFECTS
SWEEP EFFICIENCY
HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY
MODIFICATIONS
WATERFLOODING
ENHANCED RECOVERY
OIL WELLS
PERMEABILITY
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PROGRESS REPORT
DOCUMENT TYPES
FLUID INJECTION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MINERAL RESOURCES
RESOURCES
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production