Design, operation, and evaluation of a surfactant/polymer field pilot test

Journal Article · Sat Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1992 · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reservoir Engineering; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/20232-PA· OSTI ID:5722857

Holley, S M; Caylas, J L ^[1]

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1. Oryx Energy Co. (US)

Oryx Energy Co. evaluated the design and operation of a low-tension surfactant/polymer pilot in the McCleskey sandstone of the Ranger field in Eastland County, TX. The test was performed in a watered-out area developed on 40-acre spacing that was chosen because good reservoir permeability, the availability of fresh water, and high residual oil saturation (ROS's) made it suitable for a surfactant/polymer process. Major disadvantages of the area were a potential lack of pattern confinement and a salinity contrast caused by the injection of fresh water. The purpose of the test was to determine the applicability of the technology and its implementation. The pilot was successful on the basis of both monitored results and produced oil but did not achieve its design objectives because of reservoir heterogeneity and reduced sweep efficiency. The successful propagation of chemical fronts and oil recovery within the pilot area demonstrated that in this and similar reservoirs, surfactant flooding can recover tertiary oil in significant quantities on large areal spacing. This paper discusses the design, operation, and evaluation of the field project and includes considerations for the successful implementation of the technology.

• OSTI ID: 5722857
• Journal Information: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reservoir Engineering; (United States), Vol. 7:1; ISSN 0885-9248
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION PROCESSES
DESIGN
OPERATION
EVALUATION
FLUID INJECTION
MICROEMULSION FLOODING
PETROLEUM
POLYMERS
RESERVES
SANDSTONES
SURFACTANTS
TESTING
TEXAS
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ENERGY SOURCES
FEDERAL REGION VI
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MISCIBLE-PHASE DISPLACEMENT
NORTH AMERICA
RECOVERY
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
USA
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production