Porous flow characteristics of solution-gas drive in tight oil reservoirs

Abstract

Abstract The variation of porous flow resistance of solution-gas drive for tight oil reservoirs has been studied by designing new experimental equipment. The results show that the relation between the porous flow resistance gradient and pressure is the exponential function. The solution-gas driving resistance is determined by a combination of factors, such as the gas-oil ratio, density, viscosity, permeability, porosity and the Jamin effect. Based on the material balance and the flow resistance gradient equation, a new governing equation for solution-gas drive is established. After coupling with the nonlinear equation of elastic drive, the drainage radius of solution-gas drive is found to be very small and decreases rapidly when the bottom-hole pressure approaches the bubble-point value. Pressure distribution of the solution-gas drive is non-linear, and the values decrease sharply as it approaches the well bore. The productivity is rather low despite being strongly influenced by permeability. Therefore, stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) is the essential measure taken for effective development for tight oil reservoirs.