Development of heavy-oil reservoirs
Although complex categorizations are in vogue, ''heavy oils'' can be defined simply in terms of their flow properties in the reservoir-e.g., a 100-cp (100-mPa.s) or greater viscosity. Such heavy oils are major world hydrocarbon resource that is exploited where indigenous demand exists. Efficient methods of production require enthalpy input to the reservoir by hot-fluid injection or by creation of heat in the reservoir. Heat losses must be minimized to achieve maximum production efficiency. The widely used cyclic-steam-injection process is examined analytically to indicate which parameters govern successful exploitation. Steamflood and in-situ combustion techniques are discussed with reference to recent developments. Heavy-oil recovery from the more difficult carbonate reservoirs, such as those of the Middle East, is reviewed and potential production mechanism are examined. Production techniques are described together with export handling schemes.
- Research Organization:
- British Petroleum Co. Ltd. (GB)
- OSTI ID:
- 7041226
- Journal Information:
- J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 40:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Thirty (30) years of steamflooding: Reservoir management and operational experiences
INCREASING HEAVY OIL RESERVES IN THE WILMINGTON OIL FIELD THROUGH ADVANCED RESERVOIR CHARACTERIZATION AND THERMAL PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES
Related Subjects
OIL WELLS
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
STEAM INJECTION
PETROLEUM
THERMAL RECOVERY
TRANSPORT
EXPORTS
MIDDLE EAST
PRODUCTION
REVIEWS
THERMODYNAMICS
VISCOSITY
WELL STIMULATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
IN-SITU PROCESSING
OXIDATION
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
STIMULATION
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production
022000 - Petroleum- Transport
Handling
& Storage