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Gas injection and miscible flooding

Conference · · 8. World Petrol Congr. preprint; (United States)
OSTI ID:5378213

Gas injection and miscible flooding are 2 methods of recovering oil beyond the primary stage. There have been no recent notable developments in the reservoir technology of immiscible gas floods but the technology of miscible flooding has continued to evolve and is reviewed. Methods for determining miscibility conditions in the reservoir are summarized. The basis for estimating the length of the mixing zone that develops between displaced and displacing fluids is outlined, and reference is made to capacitance effects. Field scale problems of miscible displacement are considered, with emphasis on downward vertical displacement, which is reasonably well understood. Factors relating to the design of a solvent bank for this category are reviewed. The design methods for horizontal miscible floods are reported to be less well established with no general correlation yet developed to predict fingering under unstable conditions. Horizontal floods are indicated to have limited utility, with analysis and control of fingering being critical features. Carbon dioxide and flue gas are reported to be of increasing interest for oil recovery enhancement, and will have advantages beyond simple substitution for gas. (49 refs.)

Research Organization:
Alberta Oil Gas Conser Bd
OSTI ID:
5378213
Report Number(s):
CONF-710677-
Journal Information:
8. World Petrol Congr. preprint; (United States), Journal Name: 8. World Petrol Congr. preprint; (United States) Vol. PD9(4)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English