The Engineering Models of Multi-Component Thermal Fluid Technology to Enhance Oil Recovery on Shallow Water Heavy Oil

Abstract

This paper discusses engineering models of the multi-component thermal fluid technology (MCTF) on shallow water heavy oil to enhance oil recovery. Offshore heavy oil reserves are abundant, which accounts for 70%, but due to the high viscosity of heavy oil and poor mobility, it is difficult to extract except thermal recovery. The practices of onshore oilfields at home and abroad prove thermal recovery can be the best way to extract. However, for shallow water (water depth is less than 500 m) oil field, the presence of sea water makes huge difference between onshore and offshore oilfields. This also brings difficulties and challenges, such as integrated equipment, water supply, electricity power supply, and production fluid processing. The authors used analysis of the resources situation of offshore platform and integrated optimization of multi heat transfer equipment. Finally three offshore oilfield thermal recovery engineering models have been developed. The first is the offshore production platform alone placed two sets of type II MCTF device, which can achieve simultaneous thermal recovery operations in two wells. The second is a multifunctional platform (it is also called LIFTBOAT) supports production platform, placed three sets of MCTF device, can complete operations three wells at a time. It is also used for 1-2 wells thermal operations. Meanwhile, the other is for workover operations. The third is drilling platform alone placed a type II MCTF equipment, and test operation can be carried out in thermal recovery wells. The field practices of more than 20 wells in shallow heavy oil prove MCTF engineering models meet present demand of sea thermal recovery; and it has great application potential.