Practical Mathematical Model for the Evaluation of Main Parameters in Polymer Flooding: Rheology, Adsorption,...

Area of Science:

• Petroleum Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Reservoir Simulation

Background:

• Polymer flooding is a key chemical enhanced oil recovery (CEOR) technology.
• Expanding CEOR to viscous oil requires balancing cost and recovery benefits.
• Accurate prediction of oil recovery is crucial for effective project management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a quick and feasible tool for identifying viable polymer flooding projects.
• To model multiphase compositional polymer flooding, incorporating key physical and chemical phenomena.
• To analyze the impact of various parameters on petroleum recovery.

Main Methods:

• Developed a detailed one-dimensional mathematical model based on fractional flow theory.
• Incorporated rheology, salinity, adsorption, and permeability reduction.
• Used a finite-difference numerical model with a fully implicit scheme for solving nonlinear equations.
• Validated the model against analytical solutions, lab experiments, and CMG-STARS.

Main Results:

• The simulation tool analyzes effects of polymer/salinity concentrations, shear rate, adsorption, and injection strategies.
• Investigated flow dynamics and parameter impacts on petroleum recovery.
• Demonstrated the model's ability to connect mathematical formulation with physical phenomena.

Conclusions:

• The developed simulation tool aids in determining favorable scenarios for polymer flooding.
• Facilitates upscaling from lab observations to field applications with improved numerical models.
• Assists engineers in understanding key parameter effects on oil recovery, reducing reliance on time-consuming simulations.