Tests Investigate Recovery Mechanisms of Steam Injection in Carbonate Reservoir

摘要

Steam injection in carbonate heavy-oil reservoirs is a complex process. The main challenge is that the injected steam breaks through from a fracture network, resulting in poor sweep efficiency. A large amount of oil remains behind the steam front. In addition, severe mineral dissolution (or precipitation) because of steam/brine/ rock interaction at high temperatures has a significant effect on steam injectivity and recovery mechanisms. An extensive laboratory study focused on understanding the recovery mechanism and relevant mineral dissolution.