A Methodological Workflow for Assessment and Design of a Huff-N-PuffHydrocarbon Gas Injection Pilot Test as an EOR Technique for Eagle FordShale Oil Reservoirs

摘要

Implementation of miscible gas huff and puff(HnP)for Improved Oil Recovery(IOR)requires timelyidentification of prospective projects,a demonstration of economic feasibility through pilot testing,andefficient scale-up of HnP operations.HnP pilot design and execution of the pilot project requires a minimumof 9 to 12 months to procure,and another 8 to 12 months to construct and operate.A substantial capitalinvestment,approximately $1 to $5 million per pilot well,is also required(Texas Railroad Commission &Industry Operators).The lead time for procuring specialized compression can require 9 to 15 months.Theseearly purchases comprise a large proportion of project capital investment.Collaboration by a variety of technical disciplines is required to efficiently design,construct,andoperate a pilot with the goal of expanding IOR operations.An effective,collaborative approach allows fordevelopment of a HnP design that integrates both subsurface and surface design criteria.A workflow for design of HnP pilot testing was developed to coordinate concurrent project effortsincluding completion of reservoir characterization,engineering,permitting,stakeholder review andapprovals,gas contracting,construction,testing and full-scale execution.Effective coordination of theseefforts will result in efficient project implementation with minimal impacts on project scope,schedule andcost.Use of the workflow also allows for timely identification and mitigation of multiple project risksassociated with design,construction and operation of IOR.Well executed pilot tests will accelerate the learning curve for application of HnP IOR in Eagle Fordwells;resulting in lower capital costs,lower operating costs,and increased operational reliability.Pilot testresults will also be used to up-scale IOR operations in a cost-effective manner.