Natural injection of geopressured fluid possible

Journal Article · Mon Sep 24 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6367383

Foster, J W

Geopressured zones lie deep along the Gulf Coast from Louisiana into Mexico, onshore and offshore. An appraisal of the reservoir physics of a typical field indicated that mild thermal stimulation from hot water sweep and elevation of formation pressures and hydraulic gradients can be achieved from the natural injection of deep geopressured fluid. Waters with temperatures upwards of 320/sup 0/F. and with several thousand psi pressure potential at injection depths are available from aquifers along the geopressured belt. Certain oil fields, however, are situated where geopressured sands are absent. From a geoengineering perspective, it seems to be technically feasible to tap geopressured fluid in quantity and to inject that fluid into a pay zone by a single well designed to accomplish both functions simultaneously. There may be an added bonus. Geopressured waters of the Gulf Coast are often rich in dissolved methane. This gas would be recovered at the enhanced-production wells; perhaps better yet, a portion of the fluid's methane is likely to become free gas within the pay sands.

• Research Organization: Illinois State University, Normal, IL
• OSTI ID: 6367383
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 82:39; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
AQUIFERS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
ENGINEERING
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION
GEOPRESSURED SYSTEMS
HOT WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
OFFSHORE SITES
OIL WELLS
ONSHORE SITES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RECOVERY
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
THERMAL RECOVERY
WATER
WATERFLOODING
WELLS