Foam Displacement Model Calibration for Oil Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foam displacement models in oil reservoirs are complex and difficult to calibrate due to numerous parameters, leading to indeterminacies and non-unique solutions, which hinders the effective simulation and optimization of foam injection for enhanced oil recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the parameters of the foam displacement model sequentially, using experimental data and a flow simulator with an optimal mobility reduction factor and interpolation functions based on measurements of headloss and relative permeabilities, allowing for the calibration of constants to maximize the ratio of headlosses with and without foam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional foam displacement models with multiple parameters are used, then the model can potentially capture complex foam behavior, but the model calibration becomes indeterminate and yields non-unique solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the most critical parameter (mobility reduction factor) from the complex multi-parameter foam model, determining it separately through targeted experiments before calibrating remaining parameters. This extraction approach resolves the indeterminacy by breaking the coupled parameter calibration into sequential steps, yielding unique solutions for each parameter while maintaining the model's ability to capture foam behavior.
2Productivity
If foam injection is used to reduce gas mobility and improve oil recovery, then the effectiveness of assisted recovery increases, but the complexity of determining optimal operational parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the parameter determination process into distinct phases: first determining the mobility reduction factor through dedicated foam experiments, then calibrating other model parameters using this predetermined value. This segmentation transforms a complex simultaneous calibration problem into a sequence of simpler steps, reducing overall complexity while optimizing hydrocarbon recovery through accurate foam injection parameters.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple parameters are adjusted simultaneously to optimize foam displacement, then comprehensive optimization is achieved, but the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the mobility reduction factor through specific foam injection experiments before proceeding to calibrate the remaining model parameters. This preliminary action establishes a fixed reference value that simplifies subsequent calibration steps, achieving comprehensive parameter optimization without the time-consuming simultaneous adjustment of all parameters.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables a more accurate and efficient determination of the foam displacement model, optimizing hydrocarbon recovery by defining an optimal operational scheme for oil reservoirs, reducing the complexity of parameter adjustments and improving the effectiveness of foam injection.
Implementation Method 1
Assisted recovery by injection of gases... Assisted recovery by foam injection is particularly attractive because it requires the injection of smaller volumes than for other assisted recovery methods based on non-foaming fluids. Because of its high apparent viscosity, the foam is considered, as an alternative to gas, an injection fluid in hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Implementation Method 2
Because of its high apparent viscosity, the foam is considered, as an alternative to gas, an injection fluid in hydrocarbon reservoirs. The mobility of the foam is thus reduced relative to gas
Implementation Method 3
The secondary production methods such as water injection however, make possible extraction of only a relatively small part of the hydrocarbons in place (typically around 30%). This partial scavenging is due in particular to the trapping of the oil by capillary forces
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a method for operating a hydrocarbon deposit by injection of gas in foam form, comprising determining a model of displacement of the foam which is a function of an optimal mobility reduction factor of the gas and at least one interpolation function dependent on a parameter and constants to be calibrated. The mobility reduction factor of the gas is determined and the constants of at least one interpolation function are calibrated from experimental measurements comprising injections of gas in non-foaming form and in foam form into a sample of the deposit for different values of the parameter relative to the function being considered. Measurements of headloss corresponding to each value of the parameter of the interpolation function are considered. The calibration of the constants is performed interpolation function by interpolation function.