Experimental investigation of miscible gas injection with different gases in petroleum reservoirs

Abstract

Miscible gas injection processes are among the effective methods for enhanced oil recovery. Aiming at three different types of light oil reservoir, we study the feasibility of miscible gas flooding of light oil reservoirs using the method of physical simulation. Several slimtube displacement experiments with different injected gases are carried out at the various pressure levels. These injected gases include carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon gas and flue gas. Thus, the minimum miscibility pressures of gas-oil system are studied, and the influence of oil components, injected gas, and reservoir properties on MMP are also discussed. Thereafter, we do a survey on the multiple-parameter correlations of CO2-oil MMP prediction. Then, two models are selected to correct for accurately predicting the CO2-oil MMP in this reservoir. This study could be used as a tool for the successful design of miscible gas injection project to enhance crude oil recovery in light oil reservoirs. [Received: February 23, 2013; Accepted: June 6, 2013]