Title: Economic considerations for steamflood prospects
Abstract: California leads the nation in the number of steam projects, with these projects accounting for in excess of 100,000 bpd, but as is noted from a base map, Texas has by far the greatest number of heavy oil reservoirs. It is evident that many areas where low gravity crude exists are known to the industry. Much evaluation work has already been performed on these reservoirs, and so they are available to evaluate in the light of the steam or thermal recovery. Analyzing the data available (such as primary production to date, areal extent of the reservoir, thickness, permeability, oil saturation, and other basic information) is done in the same manner as evaluation of any crude oil reservoir. All evaluation tools, such as cores, logs, etc., should be utilized. The minimum evalution parameters set for a successful steamflood are as follows: (1) porosity--minimum of 20% average; (2) permeability--average 100 md; (3) oil saturation-- 40% average; (4) thickness--15-50 ft, dependent upon depth of reservoir; (5) oil gravity range--10-30$ API; and (6) viscosity range--10,000 to 100 cp at reservoir temperature. After the economic evaluation study has been completed and actual field trails are shown to be justified, it is wise to initiate amore » pilot prior to any further development program.« less
Publication Year: 1967
Publication Date: 1967-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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