Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: Air injection has long been recognized as having the potential for being an economical for enhanced oil recovery processes. The oil recovery mechanisms for light oil reservoirs using air injection are yet not well described. Recovering remaining oil economically is always a challenge hence a simulation study was conducted in order to provide feasibility for pilot project implementation and execution. Methods: For improved understanding of injection of air for enhanced oil recovery, a sensitivity study conducted using the CMG simulation approach. The impact of air injection was assessed by considering the different operational constraints such as, permeability heterogeneity, oil viscosity, injection pressures, effect of injection temperatures and injection rate. The impact of various other parameters such as O2 concentration and N2 concentration on oil recovery efficiency were also analyzed. Findings: This study has determined the best possible production scenario, leading to better economic conditions. This study shows that the method of air injection results in more than 60% oil recovery. The results obtained from the simulation study show that the optimal values of operational parameters must be considered. Applications/Improvements: The operational parameters analysed during present study will help the improved efficiency of air injection for enhanced recovery. It is also found that the air injection process could be considered as an economical EOR method for light oil reservoirs.

Keywords: Air Injection, CMG-Stars, Injection Constraints, Light Oil Reservoir, Numerical Simulation