Optimization of Tertiary Water-Alternate-CO2 Flood in Jilin Oil Field of China: Laboratory and Simulation Studies

Abstract

Abstract Most of the low permeability oil reservoirs in Jilin oil field of China have reached their economic limit of production by waterflooding and even many wells have been abandoned due to low productivity. Interest in recovery enhanced technology of tertiary miscible or immiscible CO2 flooding is increasing in these low permeable reservoirs. In this paper, a laboratory study using a high-pressure PVT cell and a simulation study using full-field fully equation-of-state (EOS) compositional reservoir modeling were undertaken to optimize the design of a miscible or immiscible CO2 flood pilot project for the Xinli Unit in Jilin oil field. The laboratory study includes phase behavior analysis, asphaltene deposition assessment, and minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) determination in the CO2 corefloods. Based on building a full-field 3D geologic model and history matching waterflood performance, a preliminary CO2 flood reservoir modeling has been used to distinguish displacement mechanisms and reservoir performance of natural depletion, continued waterflooding, continuous CO2 and water-alternate-CO2. The simulation study and the pilot test showed water-alternate-CO2 after waterflooding is an effective method of improved oil recovery for the low permeability reservoir and it can appreciably reduce water production and enhance oil recovery. Simulation studies has also been completed to determine an optimal water-CO2 ratio, optimal CO2 slugs and optimal CO2 injection rate. The pilot operation is now well implementing according to above-mentioned study achievements. Future plans for water-alternate-CO2 optimization include continuation of performance monitoring to help optimize tapering strategy in order to enhance further oil recovery in the low permeability oil reservoir.