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Evaluation of Gas-Based EOR Methods in Gas-Invaded Zones of Fractured Carbonate Reservoir

Author

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  • Ronald Gugl

    (Department Petroleum Engineering, Montanuniversität Leoben, 8700 Leoben, Austria)

  • Riyaz Kharrat

    (Department Petroleum Engineering, Montanuniversität Leoben, 8700 Leoben, Austria)

  • Ali Shariat

    (Computer Modeling Group Ltd., Calgary, AB T2L 2M1, Canada)

  • Holger Ott

    (Department Petroleum Engineering, Montanuniversität Leoben, 8700 Leoben, Austria)

Abstract

More than half of all recoverable oil reserves are found in carbonate rocks. Most of these fields are highly fractured and develop different zonations during primary and secondary recovery stages; therefore, they require a different developmental approach than conventional reservoirs. Experimental results for water-alternating gas injection [WAG] and foam-assisted water-alternating gas [FAWAG] injection under secondary and tertiary recovery conditions were used to investigate these enhanced oil recovery [EOR] methods in gas-invaded reservoirs. The relative permeability curves of the cores and the fitting foam parameters were derived from these experiments through history matching. These findings were then used in a quarter five-spot, cross-sectional, and a sector model of a carbonate reservoir where a double five-spot setup was implemented. The fracture and matrix properties’ impact on the recovery was illustrated through the cross-sectional model. The gas mobility reduction effect of the FAWAG was more noticeable than that of WAG. The apparent viscosity of the gas was increased due to the foam presence, which caused a diversion of the gas from the fractures into the matrix blocks. This greatly enhanced the sweep efficiency and led to higher oil recovery. The gas front was much sharper, and gravity overrides by the gas were much less of a concern. The properties of the fracture network also had a significant effect on the recovery. Oil recovery was found to be most sensitive to fracture permeability. At the same time, sweep efficiency increased substantially, improving the recovery rate in the early injection stages, and differed slightly at the ultimate recovery. However, a lower fracture permeability facilitated gas entry into the matrix blocks. The results of the reservoir sector model were similar to the core and pilot. However, the WAG injection recovered more of the uppermost layers, whereas significant portions of the lowest layer were not effectively recovered. In contrast, FAWAG was more effective in the lowest layer of the reservoir. The FAWAG was a beneficial aid in the recovery of gas-invaded fractured reservoirs, increasing the oil recovery factor with respect to WAG.

Suggested Citation

  • Ronald Gugl & Riyaz Kharrat & Ali Shariat & Holger Ott, 2022. "Evaluation of Gas-Based EOR Methods in Gas-Invaded Zones of Fractured Carbonate Reservoir," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-19, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:13:p:4921-:d:856270
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Riyaz Kharrat & Mehdi Zallaghi & Holger Ott, 2021. "Performance Quantification of Enhanced Oil Recovery Methods in Fractured Reservoirs," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-22, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Milos Pejic & Riyaz Kharrat & Ali Kadkhodaie & Siroos Azizmohammadi & Holger Ott, 2022. "Influence of Fracture Types on Oil Production in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-20, October.
    2. Watheq J. Al-Mudhafar & David A. Wood & Dahlia A. Al-Obaidi & Andrew K. Wojtanowicz, 2023. "Well Placement Optimization through the Triple-Completion Gas and Downhole Water Sink-Assisted Gravity Drainage (TC-GDWS-AGD) EOR Process," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Riyaz Kharrat & Nouri Alalim & Holger Ott, 2023. "Assessing the Influence of Fracture Networks on Gas-Based Enhanced Oil Recovery Methods," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-19, September.
    4. Riyaz Kharrat & Holger Ott, 2023. "A Comprehensive Review of Fracture Characterization and Its Impact on Oil Production in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-16, April.

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