ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY IN HIGH VISCOUS RESERVOIR USING THE THERMAL PROCESS

ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY IN HIGH VISCOUS RESERVOIR USING THE THERMAL PROCESS

Abstract:
The exploitation of high viscous oil reservoirs presents unique challenges due to the limited flow properties of the oil. Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques have been widely studied and implemented to maximize the extraction of these valuable resources. Among the various EOR methods, thermal processes have shown promising results in improving oil recovery from high viscous reservoirs.

This abstract highlights the application of thermal processes for enhanced oil recovery in high viscous reservoirs. The thermal process involves the injection of heat into the reservoir, which reduces the oil’s viscosity, improves its mobility, and enhances the displacement of oil towards production wells. The most commonly employed thermal techniques for EOR in high viscous reservoirs are steam injection and in-situ combustion.

Steam injection is a widely used thermal EOR method. It involves injecting high-pressure steam into the reservoir, which heats the oil and reduces its viscosity, enabling improved oil mobility and displacement towards production wells. Steam injection also provides heat energy that assists in reducing the oil’s residual saturation and enhancing oil recovery.

In-situ combustion is another effective thermal EOR technique. It involves igniting a portion of the oil in the reservoir, which generates heat, creates a high-pressure combustion front, and improves oil displacement. The combustion front propagates through the reservoir, heating the surrounding oil and reducing its viscosity, thereby facilitating its flow towards production wells.

The success of thermal EOR processes depends on various reservoir and operational factors, including reservoir temperature, oil viscosity, reservoir heterogeneity, and the choice of injection and production well patterns. Proper reservoir characterization, simulation studies, and optimization techniques can help determine the most suitable thermal EOR strategy for a given high viscous reservoir.

The thermal EOR processes offer several advantages, including increased oil recovery factors, improved sweep efficiency, reduced water production, and enhanced oil production rates. However, they also come with challenges, such as high capital and operational costs, environmental considerations, and potential reservoir damage due to thermal effects.

In conclusion, thermal EOR processes, including steam injection and in-situ combustion, have proven to be effective methods for enhancing oil recovery in high viscous reservoirs. These techniques leverage the application of heat to reduce oil viscosity, improve mobility, and enhance displacement towards production wells. Despite the challenges associated with thermal EOR, advancements in reservoir characterization, simulation studies, and optimization techniques continue to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of these processes, making them valuable tools in the quest for maximizing oil recovery from high viscous reservoirs.

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