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J. Roger Hite, SPE, Business Fundamentals Group; S.M. Avasthi, SPE, Avasthi & Assocs. Inc.; and Paul L. Bondor, SPE, BonTech
Economic Studies
Profitability is the primary driver. It justifies implementation of the
EOR process and governs how it should be designed. Profitability is
strongly influenced by product prices, which as we all know are highly variable and impossible to predict. Over a long period of time, the
average wellhead price in the United States has averaged U.S. $20/bbl
in todays constant dollars. Over the last 30 years, however, the average has been closer to $25/bbl. Either of these should provide a good
initial starting point, wherever you think future prices are headed.
It is important to begin economic analyses early in the processselection step. Start with simple economic screening models to aid
in the choice of process, and add sophistication as the design progresses. Economics can be used to guide the engineering design,
help design any pilot, and help manage ongoing surveillance.
Reservoir-Performance Modeling
Good simulation models provide the performance data needed for
profitability studies. Together, they greatly reduce risk of wasted or
misdirected efforts. There is a five-step process in developing a
reservoir performance model.
Select appropriate simulator.
Collect valid data.
History match.
Predict EOR-project performance.
Conduct sensitivity studies.
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Process Selection
EOR processes are designed to do one of two thingsimprove
sweep efficiency or improve displacement efficiency. The former
overcomes reservoir heterogeneities or poor mobility ratios.
Appropriate EOR processes in these cases are polymer flooding or
one of the thermal methods. The latter overcomes capillary forces to
recover oil left behind by primary recovery or waterflooding. EOR
processes applicable to these reservoirs are chemical flooding, miscible gasflooding, immiscible gasflooding, or microbial processes.
For a quick guide on which to choose, see the papers by Taber et al.
in the SPE literature.2,3 While selecting a process, it is important to
include simple performance models and screening economics.
Reservoir Characterization
Many an EOR project has failed because of surprises in the geologic and petrophysical description of the reservoir. Your Earth modelers are your friends. Work with them to find out as much as possi-
MARCH 2005
Modeling
Analog Data
Engineering Data
EOR Process
Selection
Economics
Screening
Geologic Studies
Analytic
Tools
Coarse
Simulation
Fine
Simulation
Design Parameters
Lab Data (R&D)
Field Date
Pilots / Field
Testing
Detailed
Economic
Models
Project
Implementation
MARCH 2005
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