Screening Criteria for Enhanced Recovery of Saudi Crude OUs
Title:
Screening Criteria for Enhanced Recovery of Saudi Crude OUs
Author:
Sayyouh, M. H. Al-Blehed, M.
Appeared in:
Energy sources. Part A, Recovery utilization and environmental effects
Paging:
Volume 12 (1990) nr. 1 pages 71-82
Year:
1990
Contents:
The principal objective of this investigation was to study and analyze the screening guides that can be used to select the applicable enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method under Saudi oilfield conditions. Based on the analysis of data obtained from 186 Saudi formations, the crude oils are produced from low to intermediate permeability formations in the range of 1-1500 millidarcies. The original reservoirs' pressure and temperature range from 2000 to 5500 psi and from 140 to 240°F, respectively. The porosity of the formations varies form 10 to 30% and the formations thickness ranges from 10 to 300 feet. The reservoirs of Saudi Arabia are characterized by high formation water salinity, which can be as high as 30% by weight. Saudi oil formations are characterized by connate water in the range of 10-50%. Thus residual oil saturation is expected to be high. The viscosity of most Saudi crude oils ranges from 0.10 to 10 centipoise. The API gravity ranges from 15 to 45 The basic parameters studied include formation permeability, porosity, and thickness; reservoir pressure and temperature; crude oil viscosity and API gravity, formation connate water saturation and its salinity, and formation type and heterogeneity. Based on the screening analysis discussed in this article, it was found that the most suitable technical methods applicable to Saudi oil fields are the miscible processes using gases. A new technology should be developed in order to be able to apply any of the enhanced recovery methods involving chemicals. This will require extensive laboratory work. In addition, in order to select the most efficient enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process, it is necessary to simulate reservoir conditions in laboratory studies.
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