What are the best ways to optimize oil recovery rates?

2 EOR categories

EOR can be classified into three main categories: thermal, chemical, and miscible. Thermal EOR involves heating the reservoir to reduce the oil viscosity and increase its mobility. This can be done by injecting steam, hot water, or combustion products into the reservoir. Chemical EOR involves injecting chemicals such as polymers, surfactants, or alkaline agents into the reservoir to alter the interfacial tension, viscosity, or wettability of the oil and water phases. Miscible EOR involves injecting a fluid that can mix with the oil and form a single phase that can be easily displaced by water or gas. This can be done by injecting carbon dioxide, natural gas, nitrogen, or hydrocarbon solvents into the reservoir.

3 EOR selection

The selection of the best EOR technique depends on several factors, such as the reservoir characteristics, the oil properties, the economic feasibility, and the environmental impact. Some of the factors that affect the reservoir suitability for EOR are the depth, temperature, pressure, permeability, porosity, heterogeneity, and saturation. Some of the factors that affect the oil suitability for EOR are the viscosity, density, composition, and API gravity. Some of the factors that affect the economic feasibility of EOR are the oil price, the capital and operating costs, the availability and cost of the injectants, and the recovery factor. Some of the factors that affect the environmental impact of EOR are the greenhouse gas emissions, the water consumption, the waste disposal, and the potential leakage or contamination.

4 EOR optimization

The optimization of EOR performance requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that involves reservoir characterization, numerical simulation, pilot testing, field implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. Reservoir characterization is the process of obtaining accurate and reliable data on the reservoir and oil properties, such as porosity, permeability, saturation, pressure, temperature, viscosity, and composition. Numerical simulation is the process of using mathematical models to predict the behavior and response of the reservoir and oil to different EOR scenarios and parameters. Pilot testing is the process of conducting small-scale experiments in selected areas of the reservoir to validate and refine the simulation results and assess the technical and economic viability of EOR. Field implementation is the process of scaling up and applying the EOR technique to the entire reservoir or a large portion of it. Monitoring and evaluation is the process of measuring and analyzing the performance and impact of EOR on the oil recovery rate, the reservoir pressure, the injectant consumption, and the environmental indicators.

5 EOR challenges

Despite the potential benefits of EOR, there are also some challenges and limitations that need to be addressed and overcome. Some of the challenges are technical, such as the complexity and uncertainty of the reservoir and oil behavior, the compatibility and efficiency of the injectants, the injectivity and productivity of the wells, and the control and optimization of the EOR process. Some of the challenges are economic, such as the high capital and operating costs, the low oil price, the competition and regulation of the injectant market, and the risk and return of the EOR investment. Some of the challenges are environmental, such as the greenhouse gas emissions, the water consumption, the waste disposal, and the potential leakage or contamination of the reservoir or the surrounding areas.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?