Guidelines for converting steamflood to waterflood

Journal Article · Sun Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reserv. Eng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/13605-PA· OSTI ID:6823083

Hong, K C

This paper presents a set of guidelines that field engineers can use for the optimum conversion of maturing steamflood projects to waterfloods. The guidelines were developed from a simulation study of Chevron's oldest steamflood-followed-by-waterflood project, the Kern River 10-Pattern project in California. They have been validated against different reservoirs and operating conditions. The simulation study showed that by judicious conversion of a steamflood to a waterflood as the steamflood matures, the cumulative net salable oil (cumulative oil produced minus oil used as steam generator fuel) can be maximized. The optimum time of conversion has been characterized in terms of eight performance variables that can be monitored in the field. A field engineer can use these characteristics or guidelines to estimate the optimum time of conversion and use this result to maximize the net salable oil production from his project. The procedures used for developing the guidelines from the Kern River 10-Pattern project performance and for validating them against different reservoirs and operating conditions are presented. The recommended procedure for applying these guidelines to other fields is also discussed.

• Research Organization: Chevron Oil Field Research Co., La Habra, CA
• OSTI ID: 6823083
• Journal Information: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reserv. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reserv. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 2:1; ISSN SREEE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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02 PETROLEUM
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