Packers, expansion joints for steam EOR completions. [Enhanced Oil Recovery]

Journal Article · · Well Serv; ()

OSTI ID:5068104

Spriggs, D M; Smart, E E

A major problem in recovering heavy oils is that they move slowly through the rock formations in which they are found. Enhanced oil recovery methods classified as thermal techniques are applied extensively to overcome this problem. The most successful of the thermal techniques is steam injection. Steam injection takes 2 distinct forms when applied to heavy oil recovery. These are (1) cyclic steam injection and (2) steam drive. These are both injection processes which require a down-hole packer for efficient control in the injection well bore. In cyclic steam injection, steam or hot water may be injected into production wells to heat the reservoir region near the well. The well then is put back on production. Production rates of viscous oils may increase several times above their nonstimulated rates because of the reduction of oil viscosity in the heated region. Flushing of liners or perforations with the hot injection fluids also may remove deposits that restrict flow. Eventually, the injected heat is removed by produced fluid and the stimulation cycle must be repeated. Details and illustrations of this type of operation are provided.

• OSTI ID: 5068104
• Journal Information: Well Serv; (), Journal Name: Well Serv; () Vol. 22:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
CONTROL
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HOT WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
OIL WELLS
OPERATION
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PACKINGS
PETROLEUM
PROCESS CONTROL
RECOVERY
STEAM
STEAM INJECTION
STIMULATION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
VISCOSITY
WATER
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS