Evaluation and Understanding the Potential of Enhanced Oil Recovery for a Candidate Offshore Sandstone Field

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this investigation is to develop a comprehensive understanding of an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) candidate reservoir based in an unconventional sandstone dominated environment. The unique geology, owing to its proximity to an inland, endorheic basin, alongside its complex stratigraphic geometry incorporating extensive folding and faulting as well as a laterally extensive unconformity. The study leans heavily on the forefront of reservoir characterizations. Reservoir characterization is crucial in providing an outline of the sub-surface and helps visualize the hydrocarbon system in-place. Our study area is the deeper consolidated units. This section was analyzed in detail to understand the petrophysical and fluid properties. The properties of the rock formation(s) of interest were identified from mineralogical content based on XRD analysis and SEM analysis to develop an interlink between the results. A compilation of the results plays a key role in determining reservoir quality and fluid properties which heavily influences important variables such as porosity, permeability, capillary pressure, relative permeability, wettability, interfacial tension, and fluid compositions. The clay mineralogy affects the penetration rate and the diagenetic overprint either enhances or deliberates fluid flow. The novelty of this integrated study lays the foundation for a thorough and bespoke screening EOR study, which is currently under development for an offshore candidate field. Preliminary screenings were also conducted through core flooding with representative outcrops. An understanding of the integration of the various reservoirs and fluid properties is essential in determining the characteristics of the entirety of the candidate reservoir. Incorporating these complex zones in an integrated reservoir characterization study is fundamental in achieving successful EOR deployment and optimizes oil production.