De-Risking Chemical EOR Application in the Sabriyah Lower Burgan Reservoir through the Design of a Large-Scale Field Application

Abstract

Abstract The Sabriyah Lower Burgan (SALB) is a multi-billion-barrel reservoir located in north of Kuwait with favorable fluid and rock properties, with the addition of a strong active aquifer. The presence of the aquifer is favorable for primary development of the field but is a challenge for chemical EOR. The objective of this study is to identify the key challenges to be managed to increase the probability of success for a large-scale field implementation. The SALB has passed multiple stages of the EOR process (technical screening, laboratory formulation design, SWCT, pilot design) and is currently in the implementation phase for chemical EOR pilot. This paper assumes that the pilot is successful and addresses larger scale implementation concerns. It discusses the necessity of a large-scale multi-well pilot to evaluate economic viability and considers the risks of large-scale chemical EOR implementation in Sabriyah Lower Burgan. Three challenges are documented as key risks that can jeopardize a large-scale field implementation: (1) EOR Chemical/water incompatibility with reservoir, (2) economic factors, and (3) geologic features such as the aquifer. The key findings and conclusion of this paper is the use of Monte Carlo simulation on reservoir simulation and economic parameters to evaluate their impact on the success of the project and outline the main risk parameters.