Bati Raman Field Immiscible CO2 Application—Status Quo and Future Plans

Abstract

Summary The Bati Raman field is the largest oil field in Turkey and contains approximately 1.85 billion bbl of oil initially in place. The oil is heavy (12°API), with high viscosity and low solution-gas content. Primary recovery was less than 2% of oil originally in place (OOIP). Over the period of primary recovery (1961–86), the reservoir underwent extensive pressure depletion from 1,800 psig to as low as 400 psig in some regions, resulting in a production decline from 9,000 to 1,600 STB/D. In March 1986, a carbon-dioxide (CO2)-injection pilot in a 1,200-acre area containing 33 wells was initiated in the western portion of the field. The gas-injection was initially cyclic. In 1988, the gas injection scheme was converted to a CO2-flood process. Later, the process was extended to cover the whole field. A peak daily production rate of 13,000 STB/D was achieved, whereas rate would have been less than 1,600 STB/D without CO2 application. However, the field has undergone a progressive production decline since 1995to recent levels of approximately 5,500 STB/D. Polymer-gel treatments were carried out to increase the CO2 sweep efficiency. Multilateral- and horizontal-well technology also was applied on a pilot scale to reach the bypassed oil. A water-alternating-gas (WAG) application has been applied extensively in the western part of the field. Current production is 7,000 STB/D. This paper documents more than 25 years of experience of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) on the design and operation of this full-field immiscible CO2-injection project conducted in the Bati Raman oil field in Turkey. The objective is to update the current status report, update the reservoir/field problems that TPAO has encountered (unpredictable problems and results), and provide a critical evaluation of the success of the project.