Sloss Micellar/Polymer Flood Post Test Evaluation Well

Taggart, Davis L.; Russell, George C.

doi:10.2118/9781-ms

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 4 publications

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“…Results of surfactant-polymer field tests completed over the past three decades and critical reviews published on them identified the main parameters important to the technical success of a polymer-surfactant project (French et al 1973;Lake & Pope 1979;Holm 1980;Taggart & Russell 1981;Bragg et al 1982;Gupta 1982;Widmyer et al 1985;Kuuskraa 1986;Leonard 1986;Lowry et al 1986;Ferrel et al 1987;Gao 1987;Cole 1988;Maerker & Gale 1990;Reppert et al 1990). …”

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confidence: 99%

A preliminary evaluation of an LTPF process for Statfjord Field, Norway

Kalpakci

Arf²,

Grist

et al. 1995

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A preliminary laboratory study was initiated in 1991 to assess the potential of Low Tension Polymer Flood (LTPF) in the Statfjord Field Upper Brent Formation. On the basis of phase behaviour and compatibility experiments, four formulations were identified for further evaluation and a live oil core flood test was conducted to assess the oil recovery potential of one formulation under reservoir conditions. Encouraged by the initial laboratory results, a three-step LTPF process design strategy was followed. A target area of the reservoir was identified, the performance of the waterflood in this area was history-matched using the LTPF simulator and a predictive simulation of several LTPF application strategies was performed.The chemical flood simulator, BPOPE, was first employed to match the laboratory core flow test by incorporating the LTPF characteristics measured. Following this conditioning, it was then used to assess the application of LTPF in the formation selected. A variety of perforation strategies, LTPF slug sizes and operating conditions were tested, all with reservoir cooling due to the injection of cold sea water.The modelling shows LTPF to be sensitive to slug size in particular, to surfactant phase behaviour and to adsorption loss levels. It was concluded that the LTPF process could be applied to the Tarbert formation, to yield additional recovery. However, an optimization is required to make the LTPF process attractive for implementation. This paper presents the essential phase behaviour data, the results of the live oil core flow test, and discussion of the computer simulation approach and the results.

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confidence: 99%

A preliminary evaluation of an LTPF process for Statfjord Field, Norway

Kalpakci

Arf²,

Grist

et al. 1995

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Chemical Stability of Polyacrylamide Under Simulated Field Conditions

Yang¹,

Treiber²

1985

SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition

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The chemical instability of Polyacrylamide polymer during both polymer and micellar-polymer flooding can seriously affect flood performance. Results of this study utilizing special laboratory techniques and long-term tests to simulate conditions typical of petroleum reservoirs show the effects of key variables on chemical stability. The rate and extent of degradation are governed most by oxygen content (although limited oxygen produces only limited degradation) and temperature. Metal ions, pH, and redox reactions can also have a major influence on degradation.

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Practical Chemical Formulation Design – Time to Break Away from Micellar Polymer Floods, Again

Dean¹,

Pitts²,

Wyatt³

et al. 2020

Day 3 Wed, September 02, 2020

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With a resurgence of chemical EOR opportunities throughout the world, high concentration surfactant design has re-emerged its uneconomic face. High concentration surfactant formulation is the micellar polymer design from the past that produced high oil recoveries in the lab but were uneconomic in the field. Formulation designs must consider factors beyond simply oil recovery for economic success and to minimize production issues in the field. Analysis and comparison of micellar polymer design projects from the 1970-1980s to current SP/ASP formulation designs are discussed. A simple formulation cost calculator is showcased, costs of all formulations are presented, and price per incremental barrel produced (chemical cost only) are shown assuming a 0.1 PV of incremental recovery. Analysis concludes the following: Micellar polymer floods were phased out because they were uneconomic. Key reasons are high cost of surfactant and emulsion problems faced when produced surfactant concentration exceed a certain threshold resulting in either greater production cost or disposal of produced oil in the form an unbreakable emulsion. Alkali can improve economics as a low-cost commodity product that can be used to reduce surfactant concentration required to attain high oil recoveries. Alkali is an order of magnitude lower cost per pound than the typical surfactant and can be used as an enhancing agent to improve the performance of other injected chemicals. Alkali is not a "silver bullet" that will save economics, and adds challenges and cost for water softening, which can be economically detrimental to field projects. Many high concentration surfactant formulation floods are being re-introduced to the industry. Not only are these designs un-economic but include multiple chemicals that add complexity and cost to the facilities and difficulty for facility personnel. A formulation that requires more than $20 of chemical per barrel of incremental oil is unlikely to be economic with $50/bbl oil. Key differences between laboratory results and field implementation results are discussed. Geologic uncertainty is addressed since it is the greatest challenge to field economic success. The industry is taking steps back to an uneconomic time of chemical EOR by obscuring the difference between designs meant to increase reserves (economic oil) versus those that serve an academic or research purpose. Operators are unwittingly paying the price to advance the science of chemical EOR when service companies provide formulations that are not economic. This paper is meant to remind the industry that high concentration surfactant formulations never were economic and certainly will not be economic in today's price environment.

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Sloss Micellar/Polymer Flood Post Test Evaluation Well

Cited by 7 publications

References 4 publications

A preliminary evaluation of an LTPF process for Statfjord Field, Norway

A preliminary evaluation of an LTPF process for Statfjord Field, Norway

Chemical Stability of Polyacrylamide Under Simulated Field Conditions

Practical Chemical Formulation Design – Time to Break Away from Micellar Polymer Floods, Again

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