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Analysis and evaluation of alternative concepts in modeling tarmats to conform to laboratory investigations and field conditions

Journal Article · · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reserv. Eng.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/15689-PA· OSTI ID:6802184
 [1]
  1. Arabian American Oil Co. (US)

Black-oil reservoir simulators are universally formulated to handle a maximum of three different fluid phases - i.e., oil, water,a nd gas. The phase identify of tar, occurring in concentrations called ''tarmats'' within or marginal to petroleum reservoirs, varies widely from highly viscous hydrocarbon fluid to near-solid material. In black-oil modeling of tarmat reservoirs, therefore, considerable challenge is posed in characterizing tar as a drastic departure from the three fluid phases. No published literature provides concentrated details on tarmat modeling with an emphasis on comparative analysis and adaptability of different state-of-the-art modeling techniques. This paper compares the two approaches adopted most often to characterize tar in a model - i.e., as a highly viscous hydrocarbon fluid and as a relatively impermeable rock matrix. Other less commonly used methods that also may be reasonable are not discussed.

OSTI ID:
6802184
Journal Information:
SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reserv. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reserv. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 3:4; ISSN SREEE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English