Integrated EOR Screening of Major Kuwait Oil Fields Using Qualitative, Quantitative and Risk Screening Criteria

Abstract

Abstract A nationwide EOR screening was conducted on major oil fields in Kuwait with the aim to support KOC's long-term production strategy. Taking the many fields, and multitude of reservoirs into account, an efficient screening methodology was applied to high-grade potential EOR targets to focus on the most promising target formations. This EOR screening methodology is an integrated approach of three steps. The first step applied parametric screening criteria of the various EOR technologies to the target formations of the study. The second step utilized analytical forecast models estimate tertiary recovery factors. The third and final step of this EOR screening methodology focused on generating a technical risk and opportunity profile for each filed, formation and applicable EOR technology. This EOR screening methodology consisted of three steps. The first step applied parametric screening criteria of the various EOR technologies to the target formations of the study. The EOR processes in this parametric screening exercise included miscible gas EOR (such a CO2 and N2 as an example), chemical EOR technologies as well as thermal recovery technologies. During this first part of the EOR screening, the EOR technology yielding the highest incremental oil recovery in each formation was further studied while using analytical forecast models to link operational recovery drivers, such as throughput volumes and rates, to tertiary recovery factors. The third, and final step of this EOR screening methodology focused on generating a technical risk and opportunity profile for each field and formation under EOR screening while considering aspects such as EOR technology maturity, relative cost comparison and infrastructure constraints, to name a few. Integrating these three screening steps enabled to first, quickly focus on applicable EOR technologies for each target, second quantify a range of tertiary recovery factors and third estimate the risk profile. Combining these three outcomes enable to screen a portfolio of potential EOR opportunities quickly to find the most attractive target for further studies. The novelty is the integrated EOR screening approach of combining parametric screening, analytical tertiary recovery forecasts and risk profiles to high-grade a portfolio of potential EOR targets for decision making.