Simulation Study of CO2-EOR in Tight Oil Reservoirs with Complex Fracture Geometries
Pavel Zuloaga-Molero1, Wei Yu2, Yifei Xu1
1Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
Scientific Reports
|September 16, 2016
Summary
Modeling complex fractures is key for effective carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) in tight oil reservoirs. Accurately simulating fracture geometry significantly improves oil recovery predictions.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Reservoir Simulation
- Enhanced Oil Recovery
Background:
- Tight oil reservoirs are crucial for current oil production, driven by advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.
- Low oil recovery factors in these reservoirs necessitate improved recovery techniques.
- Carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) presents a viable solution for increasing oil extraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce an efficient embedded discrete fracture model for simulating complex fracture geometries in tight oil reservoirs.
- To investigate the impact of complex fracture geometries on CO2-EOR performance using a compositional reservoir model.
- To analyze the influence of CO2 molecular diffusion, reservoir permeability, and natural fractures on CO2-EOR processes.
Main Methods:
- Development of an efficient embedded discrete fracture model to handle complex fracture geometries.
- Construction of a compositional reservoir model for simulating CO2 Huff-n-Puff and continuous injection.
- Analysis of simulation results to assess the role of fracture complexity and other reservoir parameters.
Main Results:
- The study confirms that accurate modeling of fracture geometry is critical for estimating incremental oil recovery.
- Complex fracture geometries significantly influence the performance of CO2-EOR processes.
- CO2 molecular diffusion, reservoir permeability, and natural fractures also impact CO2-EOR efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The embedded discrete fracture model provides an efficient approach for simulating complex fractures in CO2-EOR.
- Understanding the interplay between fracture complexity and reservoir properties is essential for optimizing CO2-EOR in tight oil formations.
- This research offers valuable insights for improving oil recovery strategies in unconventional reservoirs.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Typical Model Studies
669
Fluid mechanics model studies often utilize scaled-down systems to predict fluid behavior in full-scale environments, such as river flows, dam spillways, and structures interacting with open surfaces. Maintaining Froude number similarity in river models is crucial, as it replicates surface flow features like wave patterns and velocities.
669
01:20Elastic Strain Energy for Shearing Stresses
582
As discussed in previous lessons, strain energy in a material is the energy stored when it is elastically deformed, a concept crucial in materials science and mechanical engineering. This energy results from the internal work done against the cohesive forces within the material. When a material undergoes shearing stress and corresponding shearing strain, the strain energy density, which is the energy stored per unit volume, is calculated. Within the elastic limit, where the stress is...
582
01:09Turbulent Flow: Problem Solving
497
Carbonation is a process used to dissolve carbon dioxide gas in a liquid, commonly used in the production of carbonated beverages. Achieving efficient carbonation requires careful control of temperature, pressure, and flow conditions. By adjusting these parameters, carbonation efficiency can be maximized, producing a higher concentration of CO2 in the liquid.
Temperature is a key factor in CO2 solubility. In this case, the CO2 gas and the liquid are cooled to 20°C. Lower temperatures enhance...
Temperature is a key factor in CO2 solubility. In this case, the CO2 gas and the liquid are cooled to 20°C. Lower temperatures enhance...
497
01:16Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity of Concrete
1.1K
The dynamic modulus of elasticity assesses how a concrete structure deforms under impact or dynamic loads. It is typically higher than the static modulus of elasticity, measured under slow, steady loading conditions.
The sonic test is a common method to determine the dynamic modulus. In this test, a concrete beam, sized either 6 x 6 x 30 inches or 4 x 4 x 20 inches, is clamped at its center. Vibrations are initiated at one end of the beam by an electromagnetic exciter unit powered by a...
The sonic test is a common method to determine the dynamic modulus. In this test, a concrete beam, sized either 6 x 6 x 30 inches or 4 x 4 x 20 inches, is clamped at its center. Vibrations are initiated at one end of the beam by an electromagnetic exciter unit powered by a...
1.1K
01:26Residual Stresses
755
Residual stresses reside in a structure even after removing the original stress inducer. This phenomenon often arises from varied plastic deformations across different parts of a structure. Consider a rod stretched beyond its yield point. It will not regain its original length due to permanent deformation. Even after load removal, the rod does not entirely lose stress because of uneven plastic deformations, resulting in residual stresses. The computation of these stresses in structures is...
755
01:25Design Example: Flow of Oil Through Circular Pipes
527
Understanding fluid flow behavior through pipes is critical in fluid mechanics, especially in applications like oil transportation through pipelines. Hagen-Poiseuille's law provides an exact solution derived from the Navier-Stokes equations for steady, incompressible, and laminar flow within a circular pipe. Hagen-Poiseuille's law helps determine the necessary pressure drop across a pipeline section by determining parameters like pipe length, radius, oil viscosity, and the desired volumetric...
527