The world largest nitrogen based IOR project in the giant field Cantarell, Mexico: Review and case study of a forgotten technology with high potential(PPT)

摘要

This paper provides a compelling review about the world largest nitrogen IOR project in the giant field Cantarell, an oil field offshore GOM. Cantarell is Mexico's largest resource being operated by Pemex. The very successful IOR project includes the daily injection of 1.5 bn scf (50.000 tons) per day of nitrogen for pressure maintenance since year 2000. The basic reservoir characteristic and production history will be presented, including the very positive field response of more than doubling the oil production from 1 million bblpd to 2.2 million bblpd. Alternative EOR technologies are techno-commercially assessed. The supply of the required gigantic nitrogen volumes by air separation plants and the associated infrastructure will be explained in detail. The conclusion is that nitrogen IOR/EOR is a state-of-the-art technology with proven applicability for on- and offshore, in both oil and condensate fields.