Selection methodology for screening evaluation of EOR methods

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe choice of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods for specific reservoir conditions is one of the most difficult tasks for a reservoir engineer. Taber (Taber, 1980; Taber et al., 1997a,b) gave informative overview of EOR research history. He also offered technical screening guides for EOR nowadays known as Taber's tables. It should be noted that the approach recommended by Taber could not be taken as strong mathematical ranking of EOR methods. The authors propose an approach for EOR methods selection, based on fuzzy logic, possibility theory, and Bayesian inference mechanisms. Rankings were made by way of best EOR method selection for every criteria using fuzzy intervals comparison. Final correction of each EOR selection coefficient was performed by the generalized Bayesian inference mechanism. Application of this methodology for reservoir conditions of Alberta oil field, as well as the offshore field “Guneshli,” allowed for choosing the most effective EOR method, confirming the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed approach. Simple calculation (not more than five iterations) allows the automation of the process of selecting the most effective EOR method for a particular field.