Optimization of the low salinity water injection process in carbonate reservoirs

Emad Waleed Al-Shalabi, Kamy Sepehrnoori, Mojdeh Delshad

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    19 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    The low salinity water injection (LSWI) is one of the emerging improved oil recovery techniques. Minimizing risk and uncertainty is a major part of any proposed improved oil recovery method by highlighting the most significant design parameters and optimizing the entire process. This paper investigates the optimization of the LSWI process at field scale for carbonate reservoirs by considering the most influential design parameters. Seven uncertain and decision design parameters were selected. 5-spot LSWI pilot models were simulated using UTCHEM reservoir simulator with an empirical LSWI model. The Design of Experiment (DoE) method was used for sensitivity analysis and screening out insignificant parameters. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was implemented to optimize the LSWI cumulative oil recovery where a response surface was built. The performed sensitivity analysis showed that the three most important design parameters are LSWI slug size, reservoir heterogeneity (VDP), and injected water salinity. An optimum LSWI design was suggested and the results were validated using the UTCHEM simulator. Moreover, two scenarios (best and worst) were created to highlight the individual and combined effects of the seven tested design parameters on cumulative oil recovery by LSWI. By understanding the most influential LSWI design parameters, the field scale development can be conducted with more certainty and lower risk.

    Original languageBritish English
    Title of host publicationSociety of Petroleum Engineers - International Petroleum Technology Conference 2014, IPTC 2014 - Innovation and Collaboration
    Subtitle of host publicationKeys to Affordable Energy
    Pages1082-1109
    Number of pages28
    ISBN (Electronic)9781634398350
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 2014
    EventInternational Petroleum Technology Conference 2014 - Innovation and Collaboration: Keys to Affordable Energy, IPTC 2014 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Duration: 10 Dec 201412 Dec 2014

    Publication series

    NameSociety of Petroleum Engineers - International Petroleum Technology Conference 2014, IPTC 2014 - Innovation and Collaboration: Keys to Affordable Energy
    Volume2

    Conference

    ConferenceInternational Petroleum Technology Conference 2014 - Innovation and Collaboration: Keys to Affordable Energy, IPTC 2014
    Country/TerritoryMalaysia
    CityKuala Lumpur
    Period10/12/1412/12/14

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