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Optimization of Cyclic Steam Stimulation in Heavy Oil Naturally Fractured Reservoirs

  • Research Article-Petroleum Engineering
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Abstract

Steam injection in naturally fractured reservoirs provides an extremely challenging problem as well as a potentially effective and efficient improved oil recovery method. Coupling of the two distinct and contrasting matrix and fracture systems results in a highly nonlinear problem, and it gets even more complicated as a result of steep changes in fluid properties due to the thermal effects of steam injection. Modeling and designing an optimum steam injection operation in such systems requires an accurate characterization and representation of a naturally fractured reservoir and steam injection operation parameters and dynamics. In this research effort, we attempt to simulate the cyclic steam stimulation oil recovery method in a naturally fractured reservoir containing heavy oil and also analyze the influences and contribution of different operating parameters on ultimate oil recovery factor and the project net present value. A thermal numerical simulator has been utilized for the specialized application. The economic analysis was then coupled using the integrated production model. Further, the best possible scenario is conducted for this reservoir using computer modeling optimization and sensitivity analysis Toolbox. The results from the model show the advantage of a fracture system in conducting heat into the rock matrix, because of the large surface area exposed to heating. The key findings from the operating parameters sensitivity analysis were that the minimum injection period with larger steam slugs, minimum soak and production periods is required for every cycle, in order to maximize recovery and optimize the cost.

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Abbreviations

EOR:

Enhanced oil recovery

CSS:

Cyclic steam stimulation

SAGD:

Steam-assisted gravity drainage

CMG:

Computer Modeling Group

RF:

Recovery factor

NFR:

Naturally fractured reservoir

NPV:

Net present value

IPM:

Integrated production model

FISAM:

Fully integrated and stochastic asset model

CDOR:

Calendar day oil rate

ECW:

Equivalent cold water

BHP:

Bottom–hole pressure

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Loai Saifelden Elkamel & Behnam Sedaee

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  1. Loai Saifelden Elkamel
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  2. Behnam Sedaee
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Correspondence to Behnam Sedaee.

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Elkamel, L.S., Sedaee, B. Optimization of Cyclic Steam Stimulation in Heavy Oil Naturally Fractured Reservoirs. Arab J Sci Eng 47, 11623–11633 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-021-06399-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-021-06399-5

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