How do you assess the environmental and economic impacts of EOR projects using simulation?

1 Simulation objectives

Before you start simulating an EOR project, you need to define your objectives and expectations. What are the main drivers and constraints of the project? What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and uncertainties that you want to evaluate? How will you compare different EOR scenarios and alternatives? By setting clear and realistic goals, you can design and execute your simulation workflow more efficiently and effectively.

2 Simulation models

To simulate an EOR project, you need to build and calibrate a reservoir model that represents the geological and fluid properties, as well as the production history, of the field. Depending on the type and scale of the EOR technique, you may need to use different types of models, such as black oil, compositional, thermal, or chemical models. You also need to account for the interactions between the injected fluids and the reservoir fluids and rocks, as well as the effects of heterogeneity, fractures, and faults. The quality and accuracy of your simulation models will determine the reliability and validity of your results.

3 Simulation tools

To run and analyze your simulation models, you need to use appropriate software tools that can handle the complexity and challenges of EOR projects. There are many commercial and open-source reservoir simulators available, each with its own advantages and limitations. You need to choose a simulator that can handle the physics and chemistry of the EOR process, as well as the computational and numerical aspects. You also need to use tools that can help you optimize, visualize, and interpret your simulation results, as well as perform sensitivity and uncertainty analysis.

4 Environmental impacts

One of the main aspects that you need to assess when simulating an EOR project is the environmental impact. EOR can have positive or negative effects on the environment, depending on the type and amount of fluids injected, the emissions and wastes generated, and the risks of spills and leaks. You need to quantify and monitor the environmental indicators, such as the carbon footprint, water consumption, land use, and biodiversity, of your EOR project. You also need to comply with the environmental regulations and standards, as well as the social and ethical expectations, of your stakeholders and communities.

5 Economic impacts

Another important aspect that you need to assess when simulating an EOR project is the economic impact. EOR can have significant benefits or costs, depending on the oil price, the production rate, the recovery factor, and the capital and operational expenses. You need to estimate and compare the economic indicators, such as the net present value, the return on investment, the break-even point, and the profitability index, of your EOR project. You also need to consider the economic risks and uncertainties, such as the market volatility, the technical feasibility, and the political stability, of your project.