Pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging in steamfloods-a hostile environment

The Department of Energy's (DOE's) Oil Recovery Field Demonstration Program was initiated in 1992 to maximize the economically and environmentally sound recovery of oil from known domestic reservoirs and to preserve access to this resource. Cost-shared field demonsixation projects are being Misted in geologically defined reservoir classes which have been prioritized by their potential for incremental recovery and their risk of abandonment. This document defines the characteristics of the fifth geological reservoir class in the series, fluvial/alluvial reservoirs.The reservoirs of Class 5 include deposits of alluvial fans, braided streams, and meandering slxeams. Deposit morphologies vary as a complex function of climate and tectonics and are characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity to fluid flow as a result of exlmrne variations in water energy as the deposits formed.Eighty four Class 5 reservoirs in the DOE's Tertiary Oil Recovery Information System (TONS) database contain a total of 39 billionbarrels of original oilinplace (OOIP) or about 11% of the 360 billion barrels of 00IP in United States reservoirs listed in TOWS. Using the TONS database and its predictive and economic models, the recovery potential which could result from future application of improved oil recovery technologies was estimated to be between 228 million and 4.4 billion barrels, depending on oil price and the level of technology advancement. As much as 43!%of this potentially recoverable oil maybe abandoned by the year 2000 if immediate action is not taken. TORIS analysis and review of past industry experience with improved recovq applications in Class 5 reservoim indicated that the following processes, in order of decreasing importance, have the greatest potential for improving recovery from Class 5 reservoirs (1) Mill drillin~especially when used in conjunction with profile modification. and/or polymer floodi.rg (2) steam processes; (3) in situ combustion; (4) C02 miscible processes; (5) alkaline f100dS; and (6) surfactant f100dS.Efficient reservoir management through selecting the most suitable improved recovery process and applying it correctly, optirrdy, and in a manner consistent with the properties of the reservoiq can also contribute to increased recovery. Class 5 reservoirs will benefit from research associated with general reservoir characterization technologies and methodologies, but Class 5 reservoirs also have a need for very specific reservoir characterization models for individual reservoirs, plays, and basins. Such models addressing depositional, &genetic, tectonic, and fluid aspects of Class 5 reservoirs, will enable an increase in the predictability of the results from improved oil recovery process applications. Other identified areas of research and development that may have a positive influence on Class 5 recoveries include reservoir simulation, wellbore and facilities, and environmental considerations. Environmental research needs include demonstration of cost-effective waste management practices and demo...

show abstract

Section: D736 Reservoir Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reservoir Characterization, Production Characteristics, and Research Needs for Fluvial/Alluvial Reservoirs in the United States

Cole

Fowler²,

Jackson³

et al. 1999

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…These surveys are conducted in injection, production, and observation wells. Recent advances in steamflood monitoring techniques include the use of cased-hole pulsed neutron capture logs to quantitatively predict the in situ steam distribution and steam breakthrough time (Guo et al, 1993;Guo, 1991;Masse et al, 1991), pressure survey in observation wells, cross-hole seismic profiles (Paulson et al, 1992) and use of surface deformation measurement tools to map areal migration of steam (Bruno and Bilak, 1994). Since typical steamflood fuel costs over the life of a project are on the order of five to ten times the initial investment, effective heat management practices are being emphasized by operators (Ziegler et al, 1993).…”

Section: 746mentioning

confidence: 99%

Research needs for strandplain/barrier island reservoirs in the United States

Cole¹,

Fowler²,

Salamy³

et al. 1994

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This report was.prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of t h e United States Government. Neither t h e United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, make any warranty, express or implied, or assumes a n y legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by t h e United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of t h e United States Government or any agency thereof.

show abstract

Pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging in steamfloods-a hostile environment

Cited by 2 publications

References 8 publications

Reservoir Characterization, Production Characteristics, and Research Needs for Fluvial/Alluvial Reservoirs in the United States

Reservoir Characterization, Production Characteristics, and Research Needs for Fluvial/Alluvial Reservoirs in the United States

Research needs for strandplain/barrier island reservoirs in the United States

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About