Variation of Permeability during the Pressure-Driven Process and Numerical Simulation Methods for Reservoirs
Shaowei Wu1, Hui Yuan1, Wentao Lao1
1Zhanjiang Branch of CNOOC (China) Co., Ltd., Zhanjiang 100010, China.
ACS Omega
|March 31, 2025
Summary
Pressure-driven reconstruction enhances oil reservoir energy and injection capacity in low-permeability formations. This method creates effective fractures, significantly boosting liquid production and overcoming development challenges.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Reservoir Engineering
- Geomechanics
Background:
- Low-permeability reservoirs pose challenges for efficient oil extraction.
- Conventional water injection methods may not adequately enhance reservoir energy.
- Pressure-driven reconstruction offers a potential solution for improving reservoir performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of water well pressure-driven reconstruction in low-permeability reservoirs.
- To analyze the formation and characteristics of fracture zones during pressure-driven processes.
- To develop and validate dynamic permeability models for pressure-driven reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Conducting pressure-driven core experiments to study effective stress and permeability.
- Establishing constitutive equations for dynamic permeability changes.
- Utilizing numerical simulations to model fracture zone development and injection capacity.
Main Results:
- Pressure-driven reconstruction significantly enhances water injection capacity (4-8 times) and oil well liquid production.
- Fracture zones formed during the process, with main fractures ranging from 32 to 256 m and microfracture zones up to 50 m.
- Dynamic permeability equations accurately fit experimental data (R²=0.99) and simulation results for bottom-hole pressures.
Conclusions:
- Water well pressure-driven reconstruction is an effective strategy for developing low-permeability reservoirs.
- The study provides a validated model for predicting reservoir behavior under pressure-driven reconstruction.
- This technique offers a substantial improvement in injection capacity and oil recovery.
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