Analysis of the Potential for Enhanced Oil Recovery in the Shannon Formation at Naval Petroleum Reserve Number 3

摘要

Three EOR processes were evaluated for potential application in the Shannon reservoir at Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 3, in the Teapot Dome Oilfield near Casper, Wyoming. This reservoir is estimated to have originally held 180 million barrels of oil, of which only 8 million barrels are recoverable by primary means. Simplified computer models were used to predict the performance of in-situ combustion, polymer flooding, and steam flooding. Economic analyses were done on the results of these predictions and sensitivity studies were performed for various physical and economic parameters. This report provides a foundation of information, offers a template for economic decisions, and makes preliminary recommendations based on performance predictions. Before field-wide application of any project is undertaken, a better characterization of the reservoir must be accomplished and pilot projects evaluated. However, this analysis suggest that the most favorable application in the Shannon Sandstone is polymer flooding operated on 2.5-acre spacing. This technique is predicted to give a net present value of $5.43 million per 10-acre unit with a present value ration of 9.4 for its four year economic life. (Author)