Improving Matrix-Fracture Transfer Using Chemical and Thermal Methods in Fractured Heavy Oil Reservoirs

摘要

To increase the effectiveness of heavy-oil recoveryrnfrom matrix by capillary imbibition, surfactant andrnpolymer solutions or hot water can be used as anrnaqueous phase. The effect of them on the matrix fracturerntransfer performance was investigated in this paper. Thernobservations and analysis of the laboratory scalernexperimentation on these three methods were reported.rnExperiments were conducted on water-wet (BerearnSandstone) and oil-wet samples (Indiana Limestone)rnusing engine oil and heavy crude oil. Different boundaryrnconditions were created so that both co- and countercurrentrntype matrix-fracture transfers took place.rnPerformances were compared in terms of ultimaternrecovery, recovery rate and the cost of the process. Itrnwas observed that all three aqueous phases yieldedrnhigher and faster recovery compared to waterfloodingrnwith some exceptions. This difference was morernprominent for counter-current capillary imbibition. Thernexceptional cases were scrutinized and the possiblernreasons were discussed. Based on these observations,rnsuggestions were made for the most suitable aqueousrnphase yielding the best performance for different rockrnwettabilities and oil types.