登录查看更多内容

What are the potential downsides of using enhanced oil recovery strategies?

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is a set of techniques that aim to increase the amount of oil that can be extracted from a reservoir. EOR can involve injecting fluids, gases, chemicals, or heat into the reservoir to improve the flow and recovery of oil. EOR can boost the production and profitability of oil fields, but it also comes with some potential downsides that need to be considered. In this article, we will discuss some of the main challenges and risks of using EOR strategies.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 3 条内容中精选。了解更多

Ashish Fatnani

Business Development | Digital Transformation | Energy Transition

1 Environmental impacts

One of the major concerns of using EOR is the environmental impact of the injected substances and the produced fluids. Depending on the type and source of the injection, EOR can result in increased greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, waste generation, and contamination of soil and groundwater. For example, carbon dioxide (CO2) injection can reduce the carbon footprint of oil production by storing CO2 underground, but it can also cause acidification and corrosion of the reservoir and the wells. Similarly, chemical injection can enhance the oil recovery, but it can also create toxic byproducts and residues that need to be disposed of safely.

添加您的观点

Merlin Lukose, P.Eng.

Reservoir Engineer @ Cenovus I Reservoir Engineering I Asset Development I Integrated System Modeling I Data Analytics
举报内容
Polymers used in waterflooding can degrade over time due to temperature, salinity, or bacterial activity in the reservoir. Degraded polymers may lose their effectiveness and might complicate further recovery efforts. Water produced during polymer gel waterflooding often contains residual polymers and other chemicals, which can complicate its disposal and treatment.

已翻译

赞

2 Technical challenges

Another downside of using EOR is the technical complexity and uncertainty of the process. EOR requires a thorough understanding of the reservoir characteristics, fluid properties, and injection parameters to optimize the performance and efficiency of the technique. However, there are many factors that can affect the outcome and reliability of EOR, such as heterogeneity, temperature, pressure, salinity, and rock-fluid interactions. Moreover, EOR can pose operational and maintenance issues, such as equipment failure, well damage, leakage, and plugging. Therefore, EOR requires careful planning, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure its feasibility and effectiveness.

添加您的观点

Merlin Lukose, P.Eng.

Reservoir Engineer @ Cenovus I Reservoir Engineering I Asset Development I Integrated System Modeling I Data Analytics
举报内容
The use of polymer gels in waterflooding scenarios, which is a common EOR technique, presents several technical challenges: Polymer gels must be chemically compatible with the reservoir rock and fluids. Incompatibility can lead to reduced effectiveness or even damage to the reservoir. Incorrectly designed or implemented polymer gel treatments can block pore throats, leading to formation damage. This can reduce the permeability and porosity of the reservoir rock, hindering oil production rather than enhancing it. The success of polymer gel waterflooding relies on precise control over the injection process. Uneven distribution of the polymer gel can lead to channeling, where the gel bypasses large sections of the reservoir.

已翻译

赞

3 Economic risks

A third downside of using EOR is the economic risk and cost involved in the implementation and operation of the technique. EOR can be expensive and time-consuming, depending on the type and scale of the project. EOR can require significant upfront investment in infrastructure, equipment, and materials, as well as ongoing operational and maintenance costs. Furthermore, EOR can be subject to market fluctuations, regulatory changes, and competition that can affect its profitability and viability. For example, low oil prices can reduce the incentive and return of EOR projects, while stricter environmental regulations can increase the compliance and liability costs of EOR.

添加您的观点

4 Social implications

A fourth downside of using EOR is the social implication and perception of the technique. EOR can have positive and negative impacts on the local communities and stakeholders involved in or affected by the oil production. On one hand, EOR can create jobs, income, and tax revenue for the local economy, as well as contribute to the energy security and diversity of the country. On the other hand, EOR can cause social and environmental conflicts, such as land use disputes, water scarcity, pollution, health hazards, and human rights violations. Therefore, EOR needs to be conducted with respect and consultation of the local interests and values.

添加您的观点

5 Alternative options

A fifth downside of using EOR is the opportunity cost and trade-off of the technique. EOR can extend the life and value of existing oil fields, but it can also divert resources and attention from other options that might be more sustainable and beneficial in the long term. For example, EOR can delay or discourage the development and adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro, that can reduce the dependence and impact of fossil fuels. Similarly, EOR can reduce or prevent the exploration and discovery of new oil fields that might have higher quality and lower cost of production. Therefore, EOR needs to be balanced and integrated with other energy strategies and goals.

添加您的观点

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?

添加您的观点

Ashish Fatnani

Business Development | Digital Transformation | Energy Transition
举报内容
Being an MBA I would first talk about the business perspective! The economics on enhanced oil recovery carries the weight of opportunity costs, questioning if the time invested could yield more profitable ventures. Technically, the inherent risk of not extracting a single drop of oil looms large. Consequently, the intricate nature of these technologies demands specialized expertise, leading to only a select few major companies venturing into such endeavors.

已翻译

赞

Oil & Gas

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

What are the potential downsides of using enhanced oil recovery strategies?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Environmental impacts

2 Technical challenges

3 Economic risks

4 Social implications

5 Alternative options

6 Here’s what else to consider

Oil & Gas

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多Oil & Gas相关文章

更多相关阅读内容