24
techbits
out that complex domains (with complex well patterns/arbitrary fracture patterns) are difficult to simulate, it was noted that finiteelement models with body-fitting meshes are more appropriate for these systems. Following observations regarding capillarity, ATW participants were introduced to a new 3D/three-phase black-oil simulator based on the control-volume finite-element formulation. Case studies with tilted, partially penetrating faults were presented to demonstrate the applicability of the simulator. Development of the West Rozel Fractured-Basalt Heavy-Oil Reservoir In addition to giving a comprehensive overview of deposition description, a description and validation of the reservoir model, a layered faulted-section model, and a full-field model, MK Tech Solutions Principal Myron Kuhlman presented the formula for optimum oil recovery in this reservoir. Findings from this case study regarding optimum operating conditions included very little drawdown with horizontal wells, limiting liquid production to a few barrels per foot of well, optimizing cumulative production with a low gas-production rate, and maintaining reservoir pressure within 100 psia of the original pressure and reservoir oil viscosity within a few percent of the original. Early Diagnosis of Natural-Fracture Contribution to Permeability at the Field-Appraisal StagePresenting a case history from eastern Siberia, Beicip Reservoir Modeling Manager Rolf Ackerman shared fracture characterization and conclusions for geological analysis of this reservoir in addition to discussing how calibrated hydraulic properties of the fractures were obtained by integrating the dynamic data on one well. Conclusions from this study included that integration of different data sets could be used to characterize the fracture network on one well, that diffuse fractures were identified from core description and borehole image data; that bed thickness and shalyness were factors that controlled diffuse fracture occurrence, and that fracture occurrence was based on analysis of the fold geometry (strain-partitioning model). Determination and Sensitivity of Fracture Characterization Parameter for History MatchingNitec Director Chet Ozgen addressed issues of fracture connectivity, sensitivity analyses, and the data sources for fracture parameters. Discussion took place on the use of finitedifference models in integrated studies, the simulator parameters used in finite-difference models, and how to correlate data sources to simulator parameters. Improved and Enhanced Recovery Enhanced Gravity Drainage Through Immiscible CO2 Injection Kinder Morgan Reservoir Engineering Director John Dobitz shared experiences in the Yates field in Texas. In addition to an overview of field history and current activities in this field, possible EOR processes were examined, including thermal operations, methane injection, natural-gas-to-liquids (NGL) injection, and immiscible CO2 injection. According to Dobitz, thermal methods would have yielded a doubtful response, methane would be expensive for voidage replacement, and NGL injection would prove expensive and challenging. Immiscible CO2 injection was selected on the basis of reasonable cost and positive compositional effects. Gassed-out horizontal producers were converted into CO2 injectors. Dilute-Surfactant-Aided Gravity DrainageU. of Houston Professor Kishore Mohanty reported on recent experiments of traditional vs. fractured carbonates. Experiments included wettability, adsorption, oil-recovery range for anionic-surfactant solution, and brine imbibition. Discussion centered on the effects of formation water and lithology on the proposed chemicals. Wettability Alteration in Carbonate Formations With Surfactants Rice U. Professor George Hirasaki addressed wettability alteration, phase behavior and low interfacial tension, anionic-surfactant adsorption in calcite, spontaneous imbibition, and force displacement. Among conclusions reached were: dependence of optimal salinity on surfactant concentration and water-to-oil ratio can be correlated with natural soap/surfactant mole ratio; anionic-surfactant/Na2CO3/NaCl system is capable of inducing wide ultralow interfacial tension and wettability alteration; nitrogen blend allows the surfactant solution to be injected at optimal salinity as a single phase; and sodium carbonate reduces the adsorption of anionic surfactants on calcite as long as the surfactant solution remains clear. Experience With IOR and EOR ProcessesKazemi introduced IOR and EOR processes, noting how gravity and capillary forces affect the ultimate result. According to him, EOR processes in single-porosity systems have a strong viscous displacement component; for NFRs, viscous displacement plays a small role while gravity drainage plays a major role. A comparison was made between IOR and EOR for steam injection (heating and gravity drainage), CO2 injection (compositional effects), and wettability alteration. It was concluded that NFRs can be produced efficiently, and use of appropriate IOR and EOR methods should improve ultimate recovery in fracture-/karst-dominated oil JPT reservoirs. Viscous displacement in the matrix is minimal. Information provided by Thomas Blasingame, Texas A&M U.
Now Available!
26