Simulation study shows hysteresis effect on oil recovery during a cyclic steam process

Journal Article · Mon Feb 27 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6367311

Bang, H W

The cyclic steam stimulation of heavy oil reservoirs is often difficult to simulate, primarily because individual fluid mobilities change drastically from the injection portion of a cycle to the production portion. To improve simulation capabilities, 2 major approaches have been proposed: one based on hysteresis of relative permeability and capillary pressure, and the other on vertical fractures. The results of simulation studies using 2 different commercial steamflood models indicate that the hysteresis approach is the most suitable choice when a mobile water zone is present in the reservoir and when there is no evidence that a vertical fracture exists. This work reviews the underlying basis for hysteresis and temperature effects on relative permeability and capillary pressure and discusses simulation results obtained with a set of 3-phase functions in a cyclic steam stimulation of heavy oil reservoirs (9 to 11 API crude bitumen). 21 references.

• OSTI ID: 6367311
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 82:9; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID FLOW
FLUID INJECTION PROCESSES
FLUID MECHANICS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HYSTERESIS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
OIL WELLS
PERMEABILITY
PETROLEUM
RECOVERY
RESERVOIR ROCK
SIMULATION
STIMULATION
SWEEP EFFICIENCY
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
VISCOSITY
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS