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Investigation of Eco-Friendly HPAM Polymer Performance and Feasibility for Late-Life EOR in Small, Mature, Waxy Oil Reservoir: A Case Study in Maesoon Oilfield, Thailand

  • 0Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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July 21, 2025

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July 21, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Enhanced oil recovery using hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) polymer flooding is viable for small, mature oilfields. This method significantly boosts oil production and project value, offering a cost-effective solution for extending field life.

Area Of Science

  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)
  • Reservoir Management

Background

  • Smaller oilfields face budget constraints due to lower petroleum sales income, impacting investment in new projects.
  • Effective planning and scheduling are critical for the extended development of mature reservoirs to determine production continuation.
  • Waxy crude oil reservoirs present unique challenges for enhanced oil recovery due to complex fluid properties.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess the performance and economic feasibility of tertiary phase recovery using HPAM polymer flooding in a small, mature waxy oilfield.
  • To analyze the impact of key operational parameters (polymer concentration, injection rate, timing) on oil recovery mechanisms.
  • To evaluate the project's Net Present Value (NPV) and break-even price for the proposed enhanced oil recovery strategy.

Main Methods

  • Case study analysis of the Maesoon oilfield in the Fang basin.
  • Calculation of capital and operating costs for polymer injection.
  • Economic indicator evaluation including NPV and break-even oil price.
  • Examination of polymer flooding parameters' effect on oil recovery, injectivity, and sweep efficiency.

Main Results

  • HPAM polymer flooding is identified as a suitable EOR strategy for the Maesoon oilfield's final production decade.
  • The EOR project achieved a significantly higher incremental oil recovery and NPV (11.65 million USD) compared to natural recovery and waterflooding.
  • The break-even crude oil price for the EOR project was determined to be approximately 20.2 USD/bbl.

Conclusions

  • Optimized operating parameters for polymer flooding are dependent on injection fluid properties and reservoir characteristics.
  • HPAM polymer flooding demonstrates economic viability for small, mature oilfields like Maesoon, especially at current crude oil prices.
  • This study provides a guideline for selecting development methodologies and operating parameters to maximize returns in similar oilfield scenarios.