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Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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Published on: October 21, 2016
A novel numerical simulation method and applications of CO2 thickened flooding
Ming Gao1,2, Wenfeng Lv1,2, Wei Wang3
1Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development, Beijing, 100083, China.
This study demonstrates that simulating thickened CO2 viscosity using numerical models effectively improves oil recovery. Adjusting viscosity parameters in simulations offers practical guidance for CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) operations.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Reservoir Simulation
- Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)
Background:
- CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) is vital for global oil production.
- Gas channeling due to viscous fingering and heterogeneity limits CO2-EOR efficiency.
- Simulating CO2 thickening for improved recovery remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of CO2 viscosity modification on oil recovery performance using numerical simulation.
- To propose and validate a method for simulating CO2 thickening in reservoir models.
- To evaluate the impact of viscosity enhancement on recovery under various operational scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Utilized CMG-GEM numerical simulation software with a modified "Egg Model" reservoir.
- Simulated CO2 thickening by modifying the viscosity parameter "[Formula: see text](viscosity)".
- Designed and compared injection schemes: continuous gas, alternating thickened/unthickened CO2, and water-alternating-gas (WAG).
Main Results:
- The modified viscosity parameter effectively simulates CO2 thickening behavior.
- CO2 viscosity enhancement significantly improves oil recovery performance.
- Analyzed the influence of thickening multiples, slug ratios, and reservoir heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Simulating CO2 viscosity modification is a viable approach for enhancing oil recovery.
- This study provides theoretical insights and practical guidance for numerical simulation of viscosity-modified CO2 flooding.
- CO2 viscosity enhancement shows substantial potential for optimizing EOR operations.
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