Integrated Modeling of the Catalytic Aquathermolysis Process to Evaluate the Efficiency in a Porous Medium by the Example of a Carbonate Extra-Viscous Oil Field

Abstract

In order to evaluate the efficiency of the catalytic aquathermolysis process, physical modeling was carried out on bituminous sediments of Paleocene–Miocene carbonate rocks, characterized by the presence of open and closed fractures. In this context, three filtration experiments were performed on an unextracted reservoir model with extra-viscous oil (EVO). Prior to the experiments, the mineral composition of the rock was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and the content of organic matter and coking products was determined before and after the experiment by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) as well as the group composition of oil (SARA) before and after the experiment by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas composition at the fluid separation line, and oil displacement coefficient (ODC). The results of the conducted experiments show that the efficiency of displacement of extraviscous oil could be significantly increased by the use of a solvent and the combined use of a solvent and a catalyst (+9.3% and +17.1% of the oil displacement coefficient, respectively), which is associated with the processes of oil refining.

Study of Chemical Additives for Optimization of Binary Systems Used for Downhole Thermochemical Treatment of Heavy Oil

“…Studies to assess the dynamics of decomposition of the heat-and gas-generating system during the flooding of the salt composition and initiating the additives in the oil-saturated pore space were carried out on a filtration unit, described in more detail in [4,11,23,24].…”

“…Initially, oil production is carried out using the natural driving force of the reservoir (primary production), and it is then possible to use other sources of energy in the reservoir (secondary oil recovery/waterflooding). In this regard, in order to increase the oil recovery of the residual oil remaining in mature hydrocarbon reservoirs in the future, tertiary methods need to be used [2][3][4]. Experience throughout the world has shown that the most common and effective methods for recovering heavy and extra heavy oil are thermal methods [5] and their various modifications [6,7].…”