An integrated model for productivity prediction of cyclic steam stimulation with horizontal well

Abstract

As the accurate productivity prediction of cyclic steam stimulation with horizontal well (CSSHW) is essential for its effective utilization in heavy oil reservoirs, a novel integrated model for predicting productivity of CSSHW was proposed in this paper. Firstly, governing equations to predict thermophysical parameters of injected steam in the horizontal well were established. On the basis, the heating model for radius of hot fluid zone and steam zone were derived respectively according to a more realistic temperature distribution of formation. Then, coupled with heating model, the productivity prediction model was established according to the principle of equivalent percolation resistance. Then, comparisons have been made among the new model results, CMG STARS results, and measured data to verify its accuracy. Finally, after the new proposed model is validated, the effects of steam quality and injection rate on heating radius and oil production were analyzed in detail. The results indicate that the result of new model is in good agreement with that of CMG STARS and measured data, verifying the correctness of the model. In addition, the radius of hot fluid zone and steam zone both decreases with horizontal well length because of the heat losses as the steam flows along the horizontal wellbore. Influential factor analysis shows that high steam quality and steam injection rate can improve heating radius and cumulative oil production.

Adaptability to Enhance Heavy Oil Recovery by Combination and Foam Systems with Fine-Emulsification Properties

“…Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques are urgently needed to recover more heavy oil. Thermal processes such as hot water flooding, steam huff-n-puff flooding, in-situ combustion, etc., [3][4][5][6][7] are among the commonly used methods to reduce heavy oil viscosity through heating, thus recovering more oil. Nevertheless, they simultaneously expose some deficiencies, including significant energy consumption for hot fluid preparation, large heat loss during injection, limited heating radius, steam channeling, etc.…”

“…Nevertheless, they simultaneously expose some deficiencies, including significant energy consumption for hot fluid preparation, large heat loss during injection, limited heating radius, steam channeling, etc. [3][4][5][6][7]. As a result, as oil production deteriorates year after year, we are in need of continuation technologies after these thermal processes for EOR of heavy oil.…”

Performance of a good‐emulsification‐oriented surfactant‐polymer system in emulsifying and recovering heavy oil

“…Thus, methods such as steam huff and puff injection, steam flooding, in situ combustion, and steam-assisted gravity drainage have all been used. [3][4][5][6] These thermal techniques have been successful in certain reservoirs (those with thick pay zones and absence of bottom water). However, they cannot be employed in deep, thin reservoirs due to the severe heat loss during injection.…”

“…[3][4][5][6] These thermal techniques have been successful in certain reservoirs (those with thick pay zones and absence of bottom water). Thus, methods such as steam huff and puff injection, steam flooding, in situ combustion, and steam-assisted gravity drainage have all been used.…”