CERCETRI PRIVIND RECUPERAREA IEIULUI DIN ZCMINTE DE IEI

GREU CANTONATE N STRATE SLAB CONSOLIDATE

Rezumat
Doctorand: Ing. Marian Irimia
Dezvoltarea rezervelor de iei greu si vscos este n cretere rapid peste tot n lume. Pe
de o parte faptul c, dup aplicarea metodelor clasice de exploatare a acumulrilor de iei
greu i vscos, cantonate n special n nisipuri slab consolidate, rmne neexploatat o
cantitate important din rezerva geologic iniial, iar pe de alt parte meninerea locului
predominant al hidrocarburilor ca resurs n energia mondial, au fost factorii eseniali care au
captivat interesul privind dezvoltarea de noi metode exploatare a ieiurilor grele i mrire a
factorului de recuperare att n stadiul primar (CHOPS Cold Heavy Oil Production with
Sand), ct i n recuperarea teriar (CSS Cyclic Steam Stimulation, SAGD Steam
Assisted Gravity Drainage).
ncepnd din anul 1987, n Canada se aplic cu succes n regim primar producerea
ieiului greu cantonat n strate slab consolidate mpreun cu nisipul, utiliznd aa numita
tehnologie CHOPS (Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand). n loc de a bloca particulele de
nisip ca n cazul tehnologiei gravel packing, n acest caz curgerea nisipului n gaura de
sond este ncurajat de perforarea agresiv i de strategiile de extracie, utiliznd pompe cu
caviti progresive (PCP). Datorit producerii nisipului, raza de drenaj din jurul gurii de
sond se mrete, modificndu-se n mod pozitiv proprietile de curgere (porozitatea i
permeabilitatea stratului productiv), astfel se crendu-se condiii mult mbuntite de curgere
a hidrocarburilor din zcmnt n gaura de sond i o mai bun eficien a recuperrii.
n Romnia nu s-a aplicat pn n 2009 tehnologia de producere a ieiului greu
mpreun cu nisipul prin tehnologia CHOPS, dei exist cteva zcminte de iei greu
cantonate n strate slab consolidate care s-ar fi pretat la aplicarea acesteia. Dup aceast etap,
ntruct vorbim despre ieiuri grele, cu densiti i vscoziti ridicate, n vederea
mbuntirii factorului de recuperare ar putea fi folosite cu succes i procese teriare de tipul
unui proces termic (injecie de aburi). Acest lucru a fost numai comentat de ctre specialitii
din Canada ca posibil de aplicat, dar nu a fost nc analizat n detaliu i implementat pe
zcminte.
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De asemenea, pentru accelerarea produciei i creterea factorului de recuperare n

zcminte de iei greu, ncepnd cu anul 1992, n lume este tot mai des aplicat metoda
SAGD Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (injecia de abur n sonde orizontale asistat de
curgerea gravitaional). Aceast metod, neaplicat nc pe zcminte din Romnia, este de
fapt o form avansat de stimulare abur n care o pereche de sonde orizontale sunt forate n
zcmntul de iei, una civa metri deasupra celeilalte. Aburul de o nalt calitate este
injectat n mod continuu de sonda de deasupra pentru a nclzi ieiul i a reduce vscozitatea
acestuia, ieiul nclzit urmnd s se scurg n gaura de sond inferioar, ca urmare a curgerii
gravitaionale, de unde acesta este pompat afar.
tiut fiind faptul c n Romnia exist zcminte de iei greu cantonate n strate slab
consolidate, la care performanele obinute n exploatare exprimate n factori de recuperare ar
putea fi mbuntite, au fost studiate trei aspecte i anume:
- posibilitatea implementrii pe zcminte din Romnia a tehnologiei CHOPS; care ia n
considerare producerea ieiului greu mpreun cu nisipul
- evaluarea unui proces termic de tipul injeciei ciclice de abur ca urmare a mbuntirii
condiiilor de curgere din jurul sondelor dup aplicarea acestei tehnologii;
- posibilitatea aplicrii injeciei de abur n sonde orizontale, asistat de curgerea
gravitaional (metoda SAGD).
Prin urmare, lucrarea de fa a fost structurat n 5 capitole i anume:
Capitolul 1, n care sunt prezentate cteva aspecte generale referitoare la zcmintele de
hidrocarburi, cum ar fi o scurt clasificare a zcmintelor n funcie de natura fluidului
coninut, respectiv proprietile rocilor colectoare, ale fluidelor coninute (iei, gaze, ap) i
ale sistemului roc fluide. De asemenea, s-a fcut referire succint i la unele aspecte privind
resursele geologice, rezervele i estimarea factorului potenial de recuperare.
Capitolul 2, unde s-a fcut o trecere n revist metodei de producere n stadiul primar a
ieiurilor grele, cantonate n strate slab consolidate, mpreun cu nisipul din strat (metoda
CHOPS Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand), precum i a metodelor de recuperare
termic a ieiurilor grele (combustia subteran, injecia ciclic sau continu de abur, SAGD).
Pentru metoda CHOPS, s-a pus n discuie i stadiul actual al cercetrilor n domeniu,
cunoscut fiind faptul c CHOPS este utilizat de aproape 20 de ani n Canada ca o metod
primar de producie a ieiurilor grele, cantonate n nisipuri neconsolidate.

Metodele termice de tipul injeciei de abur au fost prezentate ca posibiliti de mrire a

performanelor obinute n exploatare, iar SAGD ca o alternativ de mrire a recuperrii
ieiurilor grele, utiliznd dou sonde orizontale, una prin care se va injecta o cantitate de
abur, iar cealalt prin care se va produce ieiul ca efect al curgerii gravitaionale.
Capitolul 3, n care s-a fcut referire la cercetrile privind posibilitatea aplicrii pe
zcmintele din Romnia a metodei CHOPS, ca metod de recuperare a ieiului greu din
strate slab consolidate. Aici s-au comparat caracteristicile zcmntului Oteti Meoian, ales
ca zcmnt pilot, cu zcminte analog din Canada, Kazahstan i Albania i prezentat studiul
de caz privind experimentarea metodei pe zcmntul respectiv. n final s-a fcut o analiz
critic a rezultatelor obinute n antier, comparativ cu estimrile iniiale.
Capitolul 4, unde au fost expuse studii de caz asupra ctorva cercetri privind
recuperarea ieiului greu din strate slab consolidate prin metode termice, fiind prezentate
dou experimente de laborator (cazurile zcmintelor Oteti Meoian i Dealu Btrn
Drader II), precum i rezultatele aplicrii injeciei de abur n mod experimental la Oteti i la
scar industrial la Dealu Btrn. De asemenea, au fost puse n discuie i cteva aspecte cu
privire la posibilitatea aplicrii injeciei de abur asistat de curgerea gravitaional (metoda
SAGD) la Dealu Btrn.
n acest capitol a mai fost prezentat un Screening Criteria sau criterii de selecie
privind aplicarea a diferite metode de cretere a factorului de recuperare, s-a fcut proiectarea
unui proces de injecie ciclic de aburi post CHOPS, utiliznd software de specialitate
(STARS) i au fost prezentate cazuri de senzitivitate privind estimarea debitelor iniiale
obinute pentru o sond orizontal nestimulat termic, comparativ cu o sond orizontal
stimulat termic prin injecie de abur.
n final, s-a propus i o metodologie de estimare a debitului iniial al unei sonde
stimulate termic printr-un proces de injecie de abur asistat de drenajul gravitaional.
Capitolul 5 conine concluzii cu privire la cercetrile privind recuperarea ieiului din
zcminte de iei greu cantonate n strate slab consolidate, precum i aspecte privind
contribuiile personale n domeniul respectiv.
Cuvinte cheie: iei greu, factor de recuperare, strate slab consolidate, CHOPS (Cold
Heavy Oil Production with Sand), injecie ciclic de abur, sond orizontal stimulat termic,
SAGD Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage
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CUPRINS
Lista Notaiilor ..................................................................................................................... 5
Introducere ........................................................................................................................... 8
1. Aspecte generale privind zcmintele de hidrocarburi ........................................... 13
1.1. Proprieti ale rocilor colectoare ..................................................................... 15
1.1.1. Porozitatea............................................................................................... 15
1.1.2. Permeabilitatea ........................................................................................ 17
1.1.3. Compoziia granulometric ..................................................................... 20
1.1.4. Distribuia porilor pe dimensiuni ............................................................ 20
1.1.5. Suprafaa specific .................................................................................. 20
1.1.6. Compresibilitatea .................................................................................... 21
1.1.7. Compoziia mineralogic ........................................................................ 21
1.2. Proprieti ale fluidelor din zcminte ............................................................ 24
1.2.1. Proprietile ieiului ............................................................................... 25
1.2.2. Proprietile gazelor ................................................................................ 27
1.2.3. Proprietile apelor de zcmnt ............................................................. 27
1.3. Proprieti ale sistemului roc fluide ........................................................... 28
1.3.1. Starea de saturaie ................................................................................... 28
1.3.1.1. Aspecte privind evoluia strii de saturaie n timp ......................... 29
1.3.1.2. Determinarea strii de saturaie ....................................................... 31
1.3.1.3. Saturaii ireductibile ........................................................................ 32
1.3.2. Capacitatea de udare ............................................................................... 33
1.4. Resursa geologic, rezerva i factorul de recuperare ...................................... 35
1.4.1. Estimarea resurselor geologice iniiale de petrol i a rezervelor
prin metoda volumetric ..................................................................................... 36
1.4.2. Evaluarea empiric a factorului potenial de recuperare ......................... 37
2. Metode de recuperare a ieiurilor grele cantonate n strate slab consolidate....... 39
2.1. Producerea ieiului greu mpreun cu nisipul din strat (metoda CHOPS Cold
Heavy Oil Production with Sand) ..................................................................... 39
2.1.1. Prezentarea metodei ................................................................................ 39
2.1.2. Stadiul actual al cercetrilor .................................................................... 42
2.2. Metode termice de recuperare a ieiului ........................................................ 44
2.2.1. Generaliti .............................................................................................. 44
2.2.2. Combustia subteran ............................................................................... 48
2.2.2.1. Mecanismele recuperrii ieiului prin combustie ........................... 50
2.2.2.2. Criterii de selecie a zcmntului pentru combustie ...................... 51
2.2.3. Injecia de abur ........................................................................................ 52
2.2.3.1. Criterii de selecie a zcmintelor pentru injecia de abur .............. 52
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2.2.3.2. Cldura disipat ntr-o sond de injecie a aburului ........................ 53

2.2.3.3. Injecia ciclic de abur..................................................................... 60
2.2.3.3.1. Mecanismele recuperrii ieiului prin injecie ciclic de abur .... 60
2.2.3.3.2. Caracteristicile injeciei ciclice de abur ....................................... 62
2.2.3.3.3. Proiectarea unui proces de injecie ciclic de abur ...................... 62
2.2.3.4. Injecia continu de abur ................................................................. 67
2.2.3.4.1. Mecanismele recuperrii ieiului prin injecie continu de abur . 67
2.2.3.4.2. Proiectarea unui proces de splare cu abur .................................. 69
2.2.4. SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) ............................................. 77
2.2.4.1. Generaliti ...................................................................................... 77
2.2.4.2. Estimarea debitului de iei .............................................................. 80
3. Cercetri i contribuii cu privire la posibilitatea mbuntirii recuperrii ieiurilor
grele cantonate n strate slab consolidate prin metoda CHOPS ............................. 85
3.1. Posibile aplicaii n Romnia .......................................................................... 85
3.2. Caracteristicile zcmntului Oteti ............................................................... 86
3.2.1. Amplasarea structurii .............................................................................. 86
3.2.2. Geologia cmpului petrolifer i a zcmintelor ...................................... 86
3.2.3. Modelul fizic ........................................................................................... 88
3.3. Comparaii ale zcmntului Oteti Meoian cu zcminte analog din
Canada, Kazahstan i Albania ................................................................................. 96
3.4. Studiu de caz Experimente CHOPS efectuate pe structura Oteti ............... 97
3.4.1. Selectarea sondelor ................................................................................. 97
3.4.2. Prevederi de producie ............................................................................ 98
3.4.3. Echiparea i monitorizarea sondelor noi ............................................... 100
3.4.4. Managementul nisipului........................................................................ 101
3.5. Rezultatele experimentelor CHOPS ............................................................. 101
4. Cercetri i contribuii privind posibilitatea mbuntirii recuperrii ieiurilor
grele cantonate n strate slab consolidate prin metode termice ............................ 105
4.1. Teste de laborator efectuate pentru studiul posibilitii de mrire a recuperrii
ieiului din zcmintele Oteti i Dealu Batrn prin metode termice ................... 105
4.1.1. Teste efectuate pentru zcmntul Oteti - Meoian ............................. 105
4.1.1.1. Obiectivul testelor ......................................................................... 105
4.1.1.2. Analiza fizico - chimic a probelor de iei i ap ......................... 105
4.1.1.3. Analiza criteriilor de selecie pentru injecia aburului ca metod
de mrire a recuperrii ieiului .................................................................... 108
4.1.1.4. Analiza argilelor ............................................................................ 110
4.1.1.5. Teste de dezlocuire cu ap cald i abur ....................................... 111
4.1.1.6. Concluzii ....................................................................................... 112
4.1.2. Teste efectuate pentru zcmntul Dealu Btrn Drader II ............... 113
4.1.2.1. Obiectivul testelor ......................................................................... 113
4.1.2.2. Analiza fizico - chimic a probelor de iei i ap ......................... 114
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4.1.2.3. Realizarea testelor de dezlocuire ................................................... 115

4.1.2.4. Concluzii ....................................................................................... 118
4.2. Experimente de antier efectuate n timp privind mrirea recuperrii
ieiului din zcmintele Oteti Meoian i Dealu Batrn Drader II ................ 119
4.2.1. Cazul zcmntului Oteti - Meoian .................................................... 119
4.2.1.1. Injecia de ap tehnologic ............................................................ 119
4.2.1.2. Combustia subteran ..................................................................... 121
4.2.1.3. Injecia ciclic i continu de abur ................................................ 123
4.2.2. Cazul zcmntului Dealu Batrn Drader II ...................................... 128
4.2.2.1. Injecia de ap tehnologic ............................................................ 128
4.2.2.2. Injecia continu de abur ............................................................... 128
4.3. Proiectarea unui proces de injecie ciclic de abur lund n considerare
proprietile mbuntite de curgere din jurul sondelor ca urmare a aplicrii
tehnologiei CHOPS n cazul zcmntului Oteti Meoian ................................ 129
4.3.1. "Screening Criteria" privind posibilitatea aplicrii metodelor de
mbuntire a performantelor obinute n exploatare ........................... 129
4.3.2. Estimarea saturaiei reziduale n iei i a curbelor
de permeabiliti relative ................................................................................... 131
4.3.3. Proiectarea unui proces de injecie ciclic de aburi
(cazuri de senzitivitate) ..................................................................................... 132
4.3.4. Echiparea unei sonde stimulat termic.................................................. 137
4.4. Estimarea eficienei unui proces de injectie de abur asistat de drenajul
gravitaional (SAGD) asupra debitelor iniiale de iei n cazul aplicrii tehnologiei
la Dealu Btrn Drader II ................................................................................... 139
4.4.1. "Screening Criteria" privind posibilitatea aplicrii metodelor de
mbuntire a performantelor obinute n exploatare ........................... 139
4.4.2. Modelele matematice folosite n estimarea debitelor iniiale ale
sondelor orizontale nestimulate sau stimulate cu abur .......................... 142
4.4.3. Estimarea debitelor sondelor orizontale nestimulate sau stimulate cu abur
posibil a fi spate la Dealu Btrn Drader II pe baza teoriei lui Joshi,
comparaii cu rezultatele obinute pe baza teoriei lui Butler ................. 146
4.4.4. Metodologie de estimare a debitului unei sonde stimulate termic printr-un
proces de injectie de abur asistat de drenajul gravitaional (SAGD) .. 148
5. Concluzii i contribuii personale............................................................................. 150
Lista figurilor ............................................................................................................ 157
Lista tabelelor ........................................................................................................... 159
Lista anexelor ............................................................................................................ 160
Bibliografie ................................................................................................................ 161
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RESEARCHES RELATED TO OIL RECOVERY FROM HEAVY OIL RESERVOIRS

LOCATED IN UNCONSOLIDATED STRATA
Abstract
PhD Candidate: Eng. Marian Irimia
The development of heavy oil is in a quickly growing in the entire world. On the one
hand, after classical methods for exploitation of heavy oil reservoirs located especially in
unconsolidated strata were applied, an important amount of initial reserves are not exploited.
On the other hand, maintaining in a predominant place the hydrocarbons as resource in world
energy is an important preoccupation. The both were the essential factors which have been
fascinating the interest concerning the development of new exploitation methods of heavy oil
and growing up the recovery factor in primary recovery stage (CHOPS Cold Heavy Oil
Production with Sand) or in tertiary recovery stage of exploitation (CSS Cyclic Steam
Stimulation, SAGD Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage)
Since 1997, for heavy oil Canadian reservoirs located in unconsolidated strata has been
applying successfully in the first stage of exploitation CHOPS method. Instead of blocking
sand ingress by screens or gravel packs, using CHOPS sand flow into the wellbore is
encouraged by aggressive perforation and swabbing strategies (PCP). Due to sand production,
the drainage radius around the wellbore increase, modifying in a positive way porosity and
permeability. Thus, the flow conditions from reservoir into the wells are improved and to the
end it will be obtained better recovery efficiency.
In case of Romanian oilfields, CHOPS technology was not applied until 2009, even
there are few heavy oil reservoirs located in unconsolidated strata, where the method should
be applied. After this stage, because under discussion there are heavy oils, with high densities
and viscosities, in order to improve the recovery factor, could be used successfully the tertiary
processes as steam injection. This thing was commented by Canadian experts, but it was not
yet analysed in details and implemented in the site.
Also, to accelerate the oil production and increase the recovery factor for heavy oil
reservoirs, since 1992, in the world is often used the SAGD method (SAGD Steam Assisted
Gravity Drainage). This method, which was not applied for Romanian oilfields, its an
advanced kind of stimulation using steam. In fact, a pair of horizontal wells are drilled into
the reservoir, one few meters above the other one.
7

In each well pair, steam is injected into the upper well, to heat heavy oil, which allows it
to flow into the lower well, where it is pumped to the surface.
Its known that in Romania there are heavy oil reservoirs located in unconsolidated
strata, where the performances in terms of recovery factors obtained during the exploitation
could be improved. Taken into account this thing, the following three aspects has been
researched:
- the possibility to implement CHOPS in Romanian heavy oil reservoirs located in
unconsolidated strata;
- the assessment of cyclic steam injection process (CSS), possible to be applied post
CHOPS, because of improved flow conditions around wellbore;
- the possibility to apply SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) in one of Romanian
oilfields.
Therefore, the thesis contains the certain five chapters:
Chapter 1 There are presented general aspects related to hydrocarbon reservoirs as a
short classification of reservoirs function of fluid contained and rock and fluids properties.
Few aspects related to initial resources in place and reserves or the estimation of the potential
recovery factor were also mentioned.
Chapter 2 There are presented aspects regarding to CHOPS (Cold Heavy Oil
Production with Sand) as method to develop heavy oil reservoirs from unconsolidated strata
and concerning to thermal methods of heavy oil exploitation (in-situ combustion, cyclic or
continuous steam injection, SAGD).
In case of CHOPS method, it was presented the actual status of researches on this
domain, knowing that CHOPS has been using in Canada since almost 20 years ago, as method
to recover heavy oils located in unconsolidated strata in the primary stage od exploitation.
The thermal methods as steam injection were presented as possibilities to increase the
recovery efficiency and SAGD as an alternative to increase recovery of heavy oils using two
horizontal wells (one for steam injection and the other one to produce oil as effect of
gravitational drainage).
Chapter 3 In this chapter it has alluded about researches concerning to the possibility
to apply CHOPS for Romanian oilfields as method to recover heavy oil from unconsolidated
strata. There were compared the characteristics of Otesti Meotian chose as trial field with
analogues reservoirs from Canada, Kazakhstan and Albania.
8

The case study related to trials into the site was presented also. Finally, a critical
analysis between to trial results and initial estimations was done.
Chapter 4 There were exposed few case studies related to researches for heavy oil
recovery from unconsolidated strata using thermal methods in laboratory and into the site
(cases of Oteti Meoian and Dealu Btrn Drader II reservoirs). The aspects of the
possibility of applying and implementing SAGD in case of Dealu Batran field there were also
mentioned.
In this chapter was proposed a Screening Criteria regarding the selection and the
application of the different methods to increase recovery factor. Was designed a cyclic steam
injection process post CHOPS using STARS software and there were presented sensitivity
cases for initial rates of a horizontal well without steam stimulation comparatively with a
horizontal well thermally stimulated using steam. At the end, was proposed a methodology to
estimate initial rates of a horizontal well thermally stimulated using steam injection assisted
by gravitational drainage.
Chapter 5 Contains conclusions regarding researches for heavy oil recovery from
reservoirs located in unconsolidated strata, respectively the aspects related to personal
contributions in this domain.

Keywords: heavy oil, recovery factor, unconsolidated strata, CHOPS (Cold Heavy Oil
Production with Sand), cyclic steam injection, horizontal well thermally stimulated, SAGD
Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage

CONTENTS
Notations specification ........................................................................................................ 5
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 8
6. General aspects related to reservoirs of hydrocarbons............................................ 13
1.1. Rock properties ............................................................................................... 15
1.1.1. Porosity ................................................................................................... 15
1.1.2. Permeability ............................................................................................ 17
1.1.3. Granulometry .......................................................................................... 20
1.1.4. Pores size ................................................................................................ 20
1.1.5. Specific area ............................................................................................ 20
1.1.6. Compressibility ....................................................................................... 21
1.1.7. Mineralogy .............................................................................................. 21
1.2. Fluid properties ............................................................................................... 24
1.2.1. Oil properties .......................................................................................... 25
1.2.2. Gas properties ......................................................................................... 27
1.2.3. Water properties ...................................................................................... 27
1.3. Rock - fluid system properties ........................................................................ 28
1.3.1. Saturation status ...................................................................................... 28
1.3.1.1. Aspects of saturation evolution in time ........................................... 29
1.3.1.2. Determination of saturation status................................................... 31
1.3.1.3. Ireductible saturations ..................................................................... 32
1.3.2. Wettability............................................................................................... 33
1.4. Original hydrocarbons in place, reserves and recover factor ......................... 35
1.4.1. Estimation of initial hydrocarbons in place and initial reserves using the
volumetric method .............................................................................................. 36
1.4.2. The empirical estimation of potential recovery factor ............................ 37
7. The recovery methods of heavy oil located in unconsolidated strata ..................... 39
2.1. CHOPS Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand .......................................... 39
2.1.1. General aspects of the method ................................................................ 39
2.1.2. The actual status of researches ................................................................ 42
2.2. Thermal methods ............................................................................................ 44
2.2.1. Generalities ............................................................................................. 44
2.2.2. In-situ Combustion.................................................................................. 48
2.2.2.1. The recovery mechanisms of in-situ combustion ............................ 50
2.2.2.2. Selection criteria for in-situ combustion ......................................... 51
2.2.3. Steam injection........................................................................................ 52
2.2.3.1. Selection criteria for steam injection ............................................... 52
2.2.3.2. The heat dissippated in a steam injection well ................................ 53
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2.2.3.3. Cyclic steam injection ..................................................................... 60

2.2.3.3.1. The recovery mechanisms of cyclic steam injection ................... 60
2.2.3.3.2. The characteristics of cyclic steam injection ............................... 62
2.2.3.3.3. The design of cyclic steam injection processes ........................... 62
2.2.3.4. Continuous steam injection ............................................................. 67
2.2.3.4.1. The recovery mechanisms of continuous steam injection ........... 67
2.2.3.4.2. The design of of continuous steam injection processes ............... 69
2.2.4. SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) ............................................. 77
2.2.4.1. Generalities...................................................................................... 77
2.2.4.2. The estimation of initial oil rate ...................................................... 80
8. Researches and contributions concerning the possibility to improve heavy oil
recovery located in unconsolidated strata using CHOPS method .......................... 85
3.1. Possible applications for Romanian oilfields ................................................. 85
3.2. The characteristics of Otesti field ................................................................... 86
3.2.1. Field location .......................................................................................... 86
3.2.2. Geological model .................................................................................... 86
3.2.3. Physical model ........................................................................................ 88
3.3. Comparisons of Otesti field characteristics with analogue reservoirs from
Canada, Kazakhstan and Albania ............................................................................ 96
3.4. Case study CHOPS trials on Otesti field ..................................................... 97
3.4.1. Well selection.......................................................................................... 97
3.4.2. Production forecasts ................................................................................ 98
3.4.3. The completion and monitoring of new wells ...................................... 100
3.4.4. The management of sand production .................................................... 101
3.5. The results of CHOPS trials ......................................................................... 101
9. Researches and contributions concerning the possibility to improve heavy oil
recovery located in unconsolidated strata using thermal methods ....................... 105
4.1. The laboratory tests of possibilities to increase recovery factor of Otesti and
Dealu Batran oilfields using thermal methods ....................................................... 105
4.1.1. Laboratory tests performed for Otesti - Meotian .................................. 105
4.1.1.1. The objective of tests..................................................................... 105
4.1.1.2. The analysis of oil and water samples ........................................... 105
4.1.1.3. Selection criteria analyse steam injection as thermal method ....... 108
4.1.1.4. Clay content................................................................................... 110
4.1.1.5. The displacement tests using hot water and steam ........................ 111
4.1.1.6. Conclusions ................................................................................... 112
4.1.2. Laboratory tests performed for Dealu Batran Drader II .................... 113
4.1.2.1. The objective of tests..................................................................... 113
4.1.2.2. The analysis of oil and water samples ........................................... 114
4.1.2.3. The displacement tests achievement ............................................. 115
4.1.2.4. Conclusions ................................................................................... 118
11

4.2. Trials into the site during the exploitation to increase recovery efficiency
into Otesti Meotian and Dealu Batran Drader II reservoirs ...................... 119
4.2.1. Otesti Meotian case ............................................................................ 119
4.2.1.1. Technological water injection ....................................................... 119
4.2.1.2. In-situ combustion ......................................................................... 121
4.2.1.3. Cyclic and continuous steam injection .......................................... 123
4.2.2. Dealu Batran Drader II case ............................................................... 128
4.2.2.1. Technological water injection ....................................................... 128
4.2.2.2. Continuous steam injection ........................................................... 128
4.3. The design of cyclic steam injection taken into account the improved flow
properties around wellbore post CHOPS in case of Otesti Meotian reservoir ... 129
4.3.1. "Screening Criteria" for Otesti Meotian............................................. 129
4.3.2. The residual oil saturation and relative permeability estimation ......... 131
4.3.3. The design of cyclic steam injection process (sensitivities) ................. 132
4.3.4. The completion of heated wells ............................................................ 137
4.4. The evaluation of SAGD efficiency on initial oil rates in case of applying
the technolofy for la Dealu Batran Drader II ...................................................... 139
4.4.1. "Screening Criteria" for Dealu Batran Drader II ............................... 139
4.4.2. The mathematics models used for estimation of initial oil rates of
horizontal wells without or with steam stimulation .............................. 142
4.4.3. The estimation of initial oil rates of horizontal wells without or with
steam stimulation possible do be drilled on Dealu Batran Drader II
using Joshi theory, comparisons with Butler theory ............................. 146
4.4.4. The methodology to estimate initial oil rate in case of thermal stimulated
horizontal wells in SAGD ..................................................................... 148
10. Conclusions and personal contributions ................................................................. 150
Figures specification ................................................................................................. 157
The tables specification ............................................................................................ 159
Appendixes specification .......................................................................................... 160
Bibliography.............................................................................................................. 161

12

RECHERCHES CONCERNANT LA RCUPRATION DU PTROLE DES

GISEMENTS DE PTROLE LOURD ACCUMULS DANS DES COUCHES
SUPERFICIELLEMENT CONSOLIDES

Rsum
Thsard: Ing. Marian Irimia

Le dveloppement des rserves de ptrole lourd et visqueux augmente rapidement

partout au monde. Dune part, le fait quaprs lapplication des mthodes classiques
dexploitation des accumulations de ptrole lourd et visqueux, amasses particulirement dans
des sables superficiellement consolids, il reste inexploite une grande quantit de la rserve
gologique initiale, et, dautre part, le maintien de la rgion prdominante des hydrocarbures
comme ressource dans lnergie mondiale, tout cela ont constitu des facteurs essentiels qui
ont captiv lintrt en ce qui concerne le dveloppement de nouvelles mthodes
dexploitation des ptroles lourds et daugmentation du facteur de rcupration autant dans le
stade primaire (CHOPS Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand ), que dans la rcupration
tertiaire (CSS Cyclic Steam Stimulation, SAGD Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage).
partir de lanne 1987, au Canada on applique avec succs en rgime primaire la
production du ptrole lourd accumul dans des couches superficiellement consolides avec le
sable, en utilisant la soi-disant technologie CHOPS (Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand).
Au lieu de bloquer les particules de sable comme dans le cas de la technologie gravel packing, dans ce cas lcoulement du sable dans le trou de sonde est favoris par la
perforation agressive et par les stratgies dextraction, en utilisant des pompes cavits
progressives (PCP). Grce la production du sable, le rayon de drainage autour du trou de
sonde grandit, les proprits dcoulement (la porosit et la permabilit de la couche
productive) se modifiant de manire positive, en se crant ainsi des conditions
considrablement amliores dcoulement des hydrocarbures du gisement dans le trou de
sonde et une meilleure efficacit de la rcupration.
En Roumanie, la technologie de production du ptrole avec le sable par la
technologie CHOPS na pas t applique jusquen 2009, bien quil existe des gisements de
ptrole lourd accumuls dans des couches superficiellement consolides qui sy seraient prt.

13

Aprs cette tape, puisquon parle des ptroles lourds, trs denses et visqueux, en vue
de lamlioration du facteur de rcupration on pourrait employer aussi avec succs des
processus tertiaires du type dun processus thermique (injection vapeurs). Cette chose a t
seulement commente par les spcialistes du Canada comme faisable, mais cela na pas
encore t analys en dtail et implment quant aux gisements.
Afin dacclrer la production et daugmenter

le facteur de rcupration en

gisements de ptrole lourd, on a appliqu aussi, partir de 1992, de plus en plus au monde la
mthode SAGD (linjection vapeurs dans des sondes horizontales assiste par lcoulement
gravitationnel). Cette mthode, pas encore applique sur des gisements en Roumanie, est en
fait une forme avance de stimulation vapeur, o une paire de sondes horizontales sont
fores dans le gisement de ptrole, lune quelques mtres au-dessus de lautre. La vapeur
dune haute qualit est injecte continuellement par la sonde au-dessus pour chauffer le
ptrole et pour rduire la composition visqueuse de celui-ci, le ptrole chauffe suivant
scouler dans le trou de sonde infrieure, comme effet de lcoulement gravitationnel, do
celui-ci est pomp lextrieur.
tant donne le fait quen Roumanie il y a des gisements de ptrole lourd accumuls
dans des couches superficiellement consolides, o les performances obtenues en
exploitation, exprimes en facteurs de rcupration, pourraient tre amliores, on a tudi
trois aspects:
- la possibilit de limplmentation sur gisements en Roumanie de la technologie
CHOPS, qui prend en considration la production du ptrole lourd avec le sable;
- lvaluation dun processus thermique du type de linjection cyclique vapeur
comme rsultat de lamlioration des conditions dcoulement autour des sondes aprs
lapplication de cette technologie;
- la possibilit de lapplication de linjection vapeur dans des sondes horizontales,
assiste par lcoulement gravitationnel (la mthode SAGD).
Par consquent, cet ouvrage a t structur en 5 chapitres comme suit:
Le premier chapitre, qui prsente quelques aspects gnraux concernant les
gisements dhydrocarbures, comme serait une brve classification des gisements en fonction
de la nature du fluide contenu, respectivement les proprits des roches rservoir, des fluides
contenus (ptrole, gaz, eau) et du systme roche-fluides. On sest galement rfr
succinctement aux aspects regardant les ressources gologiques, les rserves et lestimation
du facteur potentiel de rcupration.
14

Le deuxime chapitre, ou on a pass en revue la mthode de production en stade

primaire des ptroles lourds, accumuls en couches superficiellement consolides, avec le
sable de la couche (la mthode CHOPS Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand), ainsi que
les mthodes de rcupration thermique des ptroles lourds (la combustion souterraine,
linjection cyclique ou continuelle vapeur, SAGD ).
Quant la mthode CHOPS, on a discut aussi le stade actuel des recherches dans ce
domaine, tant donne le fait que CHOPS est utilise depuis prs de 20 ans au Canada comme
une mthode primaire de production des ptroles lourds, accumuls dans des sables non
consolids.
Les mthodes thermiques du type de linjection vapeur ont t prsentes comme
possibilits daugmentation des performances obtenues en exploitation, et SAGD sera
prsente comme une alternative de croissance de la rcupration des ptroles lourds, en
utilisant deux sondes horizontales, lune par laquelle on va injecter une quantit de vapeur, et
lautre par laquelle on va se produire le ptrole comme rsultat de lcoulement
gravitationnel.
Le troisime chapitre, o on sest rfr aux recherches concernant la possibilit de
lapplication sur les gisements de Roumanie de la mthode CHOPS, comme mthode de
rcupration du ptrole lourd des couches superficiellement consolides. On y a compar les
caractristiques du gisement Oteti Meoian, choisi comme gisement pilote, avec des
gisements pareils du Canada, du Kazakhstan et dAlbanie et on y a prsent ltude de cas en
ce qui concerne lexprimentation de la mthode sur le gisement respectif. Finalement on a
fait une analyse critique des rsultats obtenus sur le chantier, en les comparants avec les
estimations initiales.
Le quatrime chapitre, o on a expos des tudes de cas sur quelques recherches
concernant la rcupration du ptrole lourd des couches superficiellement consolides par des
mthodes thermiques, en tant prsents deux exprimentations de laboratoire (les cas des
gisements Oteti Meoian et Dealu Btrn Drader II), ainsi que les rsultats de
lapplication de linjection vapeur dune manire exprimentale Oteti et lchelle
industrielle Dealu Btrn. On a mis galement en discussion quelques aspects relatifs la
possibilit de lapplication de linjection vapeur assiste par lcoulement gravitationnel (la
mthode SAGD) Dealu Btrn.

15

Dans ce chapitre on a prsent aussi un Screening Criteria ou des critres de

slection concernant lapplication de diffrentes mthodes daugmentation du facteur de
rcupration, on a fait la projection dun procs dinjection cyclique vapeurs post CHOPS,
en utilisant du logiciel de spcialit (STARS) et on a prsent des cas de sensitivit en ce qui
concerne lestimation des dbits initiaux obtenus pour une sonde horizontale non stimule
thermiquement, par rapport une sonde horizontale stimule thermiquement par linjection
vapeur.
En final, on a propos aussi une mthodologie destimation du dbit initial dune
sonde stimule thermiquement par un processus dinjection vapeur assiste par le drainage
gravitationnel.
Le cinquime chapitre contient des conclusions concernant les recherches sur la
rcupration du ptrole des gisements de ptrole difficilement accumules dans des couches
superficiellement consolides, ainsi que des aspects concernant les contributions personnelles
ce domaine.

Des mots-cls: ptrole lourd, facteur de rcupration, des couches superficiellement

consolides, CHOPS (Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand), injection cyclique vapeur,
sonde horizontale stimule thermiquement, SAGD Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage.

16

CONTENU
Liste des Notations ............................................................................................................... 5
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 8
11. Aspects gnraux concernant les gisements dhydrocarbures ................................ 13
1.1. Proprits des roches rservoir ....................................................................... 15
1.1.1. La porosit .............................................................................................. 15
1.1.2. La permabilit ....................................................................................... 17
1.1.3. La composition granulomtrique ............................................................ 20
1.1.4. La distribution des pores en fonction des dimensions ............................ 20
1.1.5. La superficie spcifique .......................................................................... 20
1.1.6. La compressibilit ................................................................................... 21
1.1.7. La composition minralogique ............................................................... 21
1.2. Proprits des fluides des gisements ............................................................... 24
1.2.1. Les proprits du ptrole ......................................................................... 25
1.2.2. Les proprits des gaz ............................................................................. 27
1.2.3. Les proprits des eaux de gisement ....................................................... 27
1.3. Proprits du systme roche fluides ............................................................ 28
1.3.1. Ltat de saturation ................................................................................. 28
1.3.1.1. Aspects concernant lvolution de ltat de saturation .................... 29
1.3.1.2. La dtermination de ltat de saturation .......................................... 31
1.3.1.3. Saturations irrductibles .................................................................. 32
1.3.2. La capacit darrosement ........................................................................ 33
1.4. La ressource gologique, la rserve et le facteur de rcupration .................. 35
1.4.1. Lestimation des ressources gologiques initiales de ptrole et des
rserves par la mthode volumtrique ................................................................ 36
1.4.2. Lvaluation empirique du facteur potentiel de rcupration ................. 37
12. Mthodes de rcupration des ptroles lourds accumuls dans des couches
superficiellement consolides ...................................................................................... 39
2.1. La production du ptrole lourd avec le sable de la couche ( la mthode
CHOPS - Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand) ........................................... 39
2.1.1. La prsentation de la mthode ................................................................ 39
2.1.2. Le stade actuel des recherches ................................................................ 42
2.2. Mthodes thermiques de rcupration du ptrole ........................................... 44
2.2.1. Gnralits .............................................................................................. 44
2.2.2. La combustion souterraine ...................................................................... 48
2.2.2.1. Les mcanismes de la rcupration du ptrole par combustion ...... 50
2.2.2.2. Critres de slection du gisement pour combustion ........................ 51
2.2.3. Linjection vapeur ................................................................................ 52
2.2.3.1. Critres de slection des gisements pour linjection vapeur ........ 52
17

2.2.3.2. La chaleur dissipe dans une sonde dinjection vapeur................ 53

2.2.3.3. Linjection cyclique vapeur .......................................................... 60
2.2.3.3.1. Les mcanismes de la rcupration du ptrole par injection
cyclique vapeur ........................................................................................ 60
2.2.3.3.2. Les caractristiques de linjection cyclique vapeur .................. 62
2.2.3.3.3. La projection dun procs dinjection cyclique vapeur ............. 62
2.2.3.4. Linjection continuelle vapeur ...................................................... 67
2.2.3.4.1. Les mcanismes de la rcupration du ptrole par injection
continuelle vapeur ..................................................................................... 67
2.2.3.4.2. La projection dun procs de lavage vapeur ............................. 69
2.2.4. SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) ............................................. 77
2.2.4.1. Gnralits ....................................................................................... 77
2.2.4.2. Lestimation du dbit de ptrole...................................................... 80
13. Recherches et contributions concernant la possibilit de lamlioration de la
rcupration des ptroles lourds accumuls dans des couches superficiellement
consolides par la mthode CHOPS .......................................................................... 85
3.1. Possibles applications en Roumanie ............................................................... 85
3.2. Les caractristiques du gisement Oteti .......................................................... 86
3.2.1. Lemplacement de la structure ................................................................ 86
3.2.2. La gologie du champ ptrolifre et des gisements ................................ 86
3.2.3. Le modle physique ................................................................................ 88
3.3. Comparaisons du gisement Oteti Meoian avec des gisements analogues
du Canada, Kazakhstan et dAlbanie ................................................................ 96
3.4. tude de cas Exprimentations CHOPS effectus sur la structure Oteti ... 97
3.4.1. La slection des sondes ........................................................................... 97
3.4.2. Prvisions de production ......................................................................... 98
3.4.3. Lquipement et la surveillance des sondes nouvelles......................... 100
3.4.4. Le management du sable ....................................................................... 101
3.5. Les rsultats des exprimentations CHOPS ................................................. 101
14. Recherches et contributions concernant la possibilit de lamlioration de la
rcupration des ptroles lourds accumuls dans des couches superficiellement
consolides par des mthodes thermiques ............................................................... 105
4.1. Tests de laboratoire effectus pour ltude de la possibilit daugmentation
de la rcupration du ptrole des gisements Oteti et Dealu Btrn par des
processus thermiques ...................................................................................... 105
4.1.1. Tests effectus pour le gisement Oteti Meoian ............................... 105
4.1.1.1. . Lobjectif des tests ..................................................................... 105
4.1.1.2. Lanalyse physique et chimique des preuves de ptrole et deau . 105
4.1.1.3. Lanalyse des critres de slection pour linjection vapeur comme
mthode daugmentation de la rcupration du ptrole ............................... 108
4.1.1.4. Lanalyse des argiles ..................................................................... 110
18

4.1.1.5. Tests de dplacement leau chaude et vapeur .......................... 111

4.1.1.6. Conclusions ................................................................................... 112
4.1.2. Tests effectus pour le gisement Dealu Btrn Drader II .................. 113
4.1.2.1. Lobjectif des tests ........................................................................ 113
4.1.2.2. Lanalyse physique et chimique des preuves de ptrole et deau . 114
4.1.2.3. La ralisation des tests de dplacement......................................... 115
4.1.2.4. Conclusions ................................................................................... 118
4.2. Exprimentations de chantier effectues dans le temps concernant la
rcupration du ptrole des gisements Oteti Meoian et Dealu Btrn
Drader II.......................................................................................................... 119
4.2.1. Le cas du gisement Oteti Meoian .................................................... 119
4.2.1.1. Linjection leau technologique .................................................. 119
4.2.1.2. La combustion souterraine ............................................................ 121
4.2.1.3. Linjection cyclique et continuelle vapeur ................................. 123
4.2.2. Le cas du gisement Dealu Btrn Drader II ....................................... 128
4.2.2.1. Linjection leau technologique .................................................. 128
4.2.2.2. Linjection continuelle vapeur .................................................... 128
4.3. La projection dun processus dinjection cyclique vapeur en prenant en
considration les proprits amliores dcoulement autour des sondes
comme rsultat de lapplication de la technologie CHOPS dans le cas du
gisement Oteti Meoian ........................................................................... 129
4.3.1. " Screening Criteria concernant la possibilit de lapplication des
mthodes damlioration des performances obtenues en exploitation .. 129
4.3.2. . Lestimation de la saturation rsiduelle en ptrole et des courbes de
permabilits relatives ........................................................................... 131
4.3.3. La projection dun processus dinjection cyclique vapeur (cas de
sensitivit) ............................................................................................. 132
4.3.4. Lquipement dune sonde stimule du point de vue thermique .......... 137
4.4. Lestimation de lefficacit dun processus dinjection vapeur assiste
par le drainage gravitationnel ( SAGD ) sur les dbits initiaux dans le cas
de lapplication de la technologie Dealu Btrn Drader II ....................... 139
4.4.1. Screening criteria concernant la possibilit de lapplication des
mthodes damlioration des performances obtenues en exploitation .. 139
4.4.2. Modles mathmatiques utiliss dans lestimation des dbits initiaux
des sondes horizontales non stimules ou stimules vapeur .............. 142
4.4.3. Lestimation des dbits des sondes horizontales non stimules ou
stimules vapeur possible dtre creuss Dealu Btrn Drader II
conformement la thorie de Joshi, comparaisons avec les rsultats
obtenus suivant la thorie de Butler ...................................................... 146
4.4.4. Mthodologie destimation de dbit dune sonde stimule
thermiquement par un processus dinjection vapeur assiste par le
drainage gravitationnel (SAGD) ........................................................... 148
19

15. Conclusions et contributions personnelles .............................................................. 150

La liste des dessins .................................................................................................... 157
La liste des tables ...................................................................................................... 159
La liste des annexes .................................................................................................. 160
Bibliographie ............................................................................................................. 161

20