Improved ASP Design Using Organic Compound-Surfactant-Polymer (OCSP) for La Salina Field, Maracaibo Lake

Abstract

Abstract In design and implementation of Alkali Surfactant Polymer (ASP) formulation for IOR processes, the inorganic alkali component acts as sacrificing agent avoiding the surfactant adsorption and decreasing the IFT. Nevertheless, as a part of this process there are some potential problems to be considered previously and during ASP injection processes such as: the ASP injection water should be softened to prevent scale formation that produces higher costs for water treatment, possible tubing corrosion problems and possible viscosity reduction. The effect of organic alkali on IFT, adsorption and viscosity has been previously focussed on comparing to the conventional inorganic alkali in these formulations. In those investigations, it was founded that organic alkalis are compatible with unsoftened waters and the rest of ASP slug components, reduce adsorption, minimize the surface equipment and the formation damage what reduces initial investment costs and greater project profitability. The objective of this study is to show the advantages and outcomes in applying an improved design of the current ASP formulation for the pilot project La Salina Field Maracaibo Lake, using an organic compound-surfactant-polymer (OCSP) formulation, which uses an organic compound as substitute for traditional inorganic alkali. In fact, fluid-fluid and rock-fluid compatibility laboratory tests, new chemical components concentrations, phase behavior study, IFT screening and porous media evaluations (adsorption and recovery factors) were performed in laboratory in berea cores. Linear corefloods displacements for La Salina LL-03 let to obtain the OCSP flood recovery and additional OOIP estimated of 22.2%. Finally, these results confirm the technical advantages of applying an optimized formulation using an organic agent for this field.