Oil recovery by a steamflood in a waterflood reservoir

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1966 · Prod. Mon.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6384166

Farouq-Ali, S M

The results of calculations of oil recovery by a radial steamflood in a previously waterflooded formation are presented. Typical performance curves are shown for a low and high viscosity oil to demonstrate the effect of viscosity. A number of oil recovery curves are presented. It is pointed out that the present scheme of oil recovery calculations is mainly based on the deposition of a low residual oil saturation in the steam zone, together with increased oil recovery from the hot waterflood zone ahead. In calculating steamflood recovery from a watered-out formation, information regarding the areal distribution of oil and water saturations should be available. These saturations would vary from point to point, and the exact distribution should be used for calculations. On the basis of the discussion as presented, it seems that if steamflooding of waterflooded reservoirs is contemplated, the length of the waterflood period is of importance in estimating steamflood recovery. Response from an intensively waterflooded formation containing low viscosity oil can be below expectation. Also, for a given injection rate, thick strata are likely to utilize the heat energy more efficiently. The steam pressure should be kept as low as possible, especially in the case of shallow formations.

• Research Organization: Pennsylvania State Univ
• OSTI ID: 6384166
• Journal Information: Prod. Mon.; (United States), Journal Name: Prod. Mon.; (United States) Vol. 30:9; ISSN PROMA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MATHEMATICS
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM
RECOVERY
SATURATION
STEAM INJECTION
STIMULATION
THERMAL RECOVERY
VISCOSITY
WATER SATURATION
WATERFLOODING
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS