Residual Oil Distribution Pattern in a Fault-Solution Carbonate Reservoir and Countermeasures to Improve Oil Development Effectiveness

Abstract

Because of the strong random distribution of fractures and caves, fault-solution carbonate reservoirs exhibit significantly different flow mechanisms and development methods from conventional carbonate reservoirs. Natural elastic and edge-bottom water flooding are the main processes for developing fault-solution reservoirs. The rapid decline in production and the complex residual oil distribution are major challenges for oil production. This study is aimed at (1) assessing the residual oil migration law, (2) determining the residual oil distribution characteristics, and (3) identifying the main controlling factors using numerical simulation, to provide suggestions for enhancing oil recovery. The results showed that fractures are the main channel for oil flow and the main path of bottom water coning in the fault-solution reservoirs. The channeling of bottom water along high-angle fractures is the main reason for the decline in oil production. In addition, bottom water coning and gas/water injection are the key factors affecting the distribution of residual oil, while the irregular development of fractures and caves is the main factor causing diversified distribution patterns of the residual oil. The residual oil distribution patterns of fault-solution reservoirs include 4 types, namely, attic, bottom water rising and blocking, separated fracture-cavity, and pores near high-conductivity channel types. For tapping the potential of residual oil, several approaches can be used, namely, deploying new wells or using sidetracking of old wells in the loft and the separated fracture-cavity reservoirs. In addition, the attic residual oil type can also be developed using drainage oil recovery or gas injection for oil replacement. Liquid lift pump, water shutoff, and water cone restrain can also be used to tap residual oil from rising bottom water. Optimizing profile control and water shutoff measures and adjusting the injection and production relationship can be effective approaches for developing residual oil in the pores and cracks beside the high diversion channel.