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The planning of a large-scale miscible flood at Prudhoe Bay

Journal Article · · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/13600-PA· OSTI ID:7148533

This paper describes the technical considerations that set the major design parameters for the Prudhoe Bay Miscible Gas Project (PBMGP). This project was planned as a large hydrocarbon miscible flood. The basic project concept is to manufacture a miscible injectant from the field separator off-gas (WAG) mode. The miscible gas supply will vary, generally increasing with time. Over the first 10 years of the project, an average supply of 200 MMscf/D (5.66X10/sup 6/ m/sup 3//d) is anticipated. The gas processing plant and the factors affecting miscible gas supply are described. The EOR project area was selected by a screening process. This led to a project area definition encompassing 4.9X10/sup 9/ RB (779X10/sup 6/ m/sup 3/) PV containing 2.2X10/sup 9/ STB (350X10/sup 6/ m/sup 3/)original oil in place (OOIP). The planned cumulative volume of miscible gas injected will be 10% PV. Reservoir studies indicate an incremental oil recovery by miscible flooding of some 5.2% OOIP or 115X10/sup 6/ STB (18.3x10/sup 6/ m/sup 3/) Aspects of these reservoir studies are described. The Sadlerochit reservoir is both the ultimate source of the miscible solvent and the target reservoir. This introduces several reservoir/facility interaction effects. The planning of a major EOR project in the Arctic has also involved technical considerations not routinely encountered in conventional oilfield projects. Both aspects are discussed in the paper.

Research Organization:
Sohio Petroleum Co., San Rafael, CA
OSTI ID:
7148533
Journal Information:
J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 38:11; ISSN JPTJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English