Field-scale simulation modeling of disproportional permeability reduction impact on oil recovery

Abstract

Excessive water production in hydrocarbon exploration is a worldwide problem. The water produced is considered to be the largest waste stream by volume in during hydrocarbon production. Gelant/polymers have been known to reduce this problem. The gelant solution once injected in the reservoir reduces the water relative permeability while impacting the oil relative permeability to lesser extent. This phenomenon is called disproportionate permeability reduction (DPR). The DPR treatment is considered as an importance means of controlling the excessive water production. DPR treatment reduces the water production and can sometimes improve the oil production. But the argument exists on under what conditions and where should the DPR treatment be employed. The numerical simulation was carried out on a 3D, radial, multilayered reservoir model to simulate the pilot performance of the reservoir for different cases. This project aims at quantifying the impact of DPR treatment and its designing factors on a multilayered, radial reservoir subjected to water flooding. Results suggested improved pilot performance in terms of better water control and improvement in oil production. But the impact on oil recovery was insignificant. DPR treatment affects significantly the fluid flow performance not only in the reservoir but also the fluid flow in tubing. But skin introduced due to DPR can have a significant negative effect in low permeability layer performance.