A comparative experimental study for improvement of sweep efficiency in naturally fractured reservoirs

Date

2012-12

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Abstract

When dealing with mature fields undergoing water/CO2 flooding, the importance of injection profile modification and better sweep efficiency cannot be overstated. Many times, we encounter fields with natural fractures and karsted sequences that can render effective flooding almost impossible by providing less resistance and easier communication between injectors and producers. One of the possible solutions being used these days is the application of crosslinking gels or co-polymers. These are used to plug up the fractures and voids so that a better sweep efficiency can be realized. Another approach is to use a polymer solution and modify the mobility ratio. This study aims to provide comparative experimental results of using either of the two aforementioned techniques. Both the solutions were put to the test in laboratory core flooding experiments. Different parameters associated with these treatments were studied before actually conducting the experiments. The experimental data showed improved oil recoveries using either of the two approaches, but a clear conclusion is derived in support of using crosslinked gels/copolymers in formations with big fractures.

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Keywords

Chemical EOR, Polymer flooding in fractured reservoirs

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