TY - GEN
T1 - Optimization of the low salinity water injection process in carbonate reservoirs
AU - Al-Shalabi, Emad Waleed
AU - Sepehrnoori, Kamy
AU - Delshad, Mojdeh
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2014, International Petroleum Technology Conference.
PY - 2014
Y1 - 2014
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84934295385&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.2523/iptc-17821-ms
DO - 10.2523/iptc-17821-ms
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84934295385
T3 - Society of Petroleum Engineers - International Petroleum Technology Conference 2014, IPTC 2014 - Innovation and Collaboration: Keys to Affordable Energy
SP - 1082
EP - 1109
BT - Society of Petroleum Engineers - International Petroleum Technology Conference 2014, IPTC 2014 - Innovation and Collaboration
T2 - International Petroleum Technology Conference 2014 - Innovation and Collaboration: Keys to Affordable Energy, IPTC 2014
Y2 - 10 December 2014 through 12 December 2014
ER -