TEOR

Test Your Knowledge

TEOR Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary goal of Thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery (TEOR)?

(a) To create new oil reservoirs. (b) To increase the viscosity of oil. (c) To maximize oil production from existing reservoirs. (d) To prevent oil spills.

2. How does TEOR primarily work to enhance oil recovery?

(a) By injecting cold water into the reservoir. (b) By using explosives to break up the reservoir rock. (c) By injecting heated fluids into the reservoir. (d) By adding chemicals to the oil to make it more viscous.

3. Which of the following is NOT a key benefit of TEOR?

(a) Increased oil recovery. (b) Reduced environmental impact. (c) Enhanced production rates. (d) Improved reservoir management.

4. Which TEOR method involves injecting steam directly into the reservoir?

(a) In-situ Combustion (b) Hot Water Injection (c) Steam Injection (d) Chemical Injection

5. What is a major challenge associated with TEOR?

(a) Lack of available technology. (b) High energy requirements. (c) Limited oil reserves. (d) Resistance from environmental groups.

TEOR Exercise

Scenario: An oil company is considering implementing a TEOR project in a mature oil field. The field produces thick, viscous oil, and conventional extraction methods are becoming less efficient. The company is looking at steam injection as the TEOR method.

Task:

1. Identify two potential advantages of using steam injection for this specific oil field.
2. Identify two potential disadvantages of using steam injection for this specific oil field.
3. Briefly discuss how the oil company could address one of the disadvantages you identified.

Techniques

TEOR: Boosting Oil Production with Heat - A Deeper Dive

Here's a breakdown of the TEOR information into separate chapters:

Chapter 1: Techniques

Thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery (TEOR) encompasses several techniques designed to increase oil production from mature reservoirs by reducing oil viscosity through heat application. The core principle is to inject heated fluids or generate heat in-situ to improve oil mobility. Key techniques include:

• Steam Injection: This is perhaps the most widely used TEOR method. It involves injecting high-pressure steam directly into the reservoir. There are two main types:
  • Cyclic Steam Injection (CSI): Steam is injected for a period, followed by a production period. This is often used in relatively thin reservoirs or where continuous steam injection is uneconomical.
  • Continuous Steam Injection (CSI): Steam is injected continuously into the reservoir, maintaining a constant heat source. This is typically employed in thicker reservoirs where sustained heat input is beneficial.
• In-situ Combustion: This technique involves igniting a portion of the oil in the reservoir to generate heat. Air or oxygen is injected to sustain the combustion process. The heat generated reduces oil viscosity and improves mobility. This method can be highly efficient but requires careful management to prevent uncontrolled burning.
• Hot Water Injection: Less energy-intensive than steam injection, hot water injection uses heated water to reduce oil viscosity. It's a suitable option for reservoirs with lower oil viscosity or where steam generation is impractical or uneconomical. The lower temperature compared to steam means a smaller area of influence around the injection well.
• Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD): A variation of steam injection, SAGD utilizes two horizontal wells, one above the other. Steam is injected into the upper well, heating the oil and allowing it to drain by gravity into the lower production well. This method is particularly well-suited for heavy oil reservoirs.

Chapter 2: Models

Accurate reservoir modeling is crucial for successful TEOR implementation. Models are used to predict the performance of different TEOR techniques and optimize injection strategies. These models incorporate various factors including:

• Reservoir Simulation: Sophisticated numerical simulators are employed to model fluid flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions within the reservoir. These models consider factors like reservoir geometry, rock properties (porosity, permeability), fluid properties (viscosity, density), and injection parameters.
• Thermal Models: These models specifically focus on heat transfer within the reservoir, including conduction, convection, and radiation. They are used to predict temperature profiles and steam/hot water movement.
• Geomechanical Models: These models account for the impact of thermal stresses on the reservoir rock. Expansion and contraction of the reservoir rock due to temperature changes can impact permeability and potentially cause subsidence.
• Economic Models: These models are used to assess the economic viability of a TEOR project, considering factors such as oil price, operating costs, and capital expenditure.

The selection and calibration of appropriate models depend on the specific reservoir characteristics and the chosen TEOR technique.

Chapter 3: Software

Several specialized software packages are used for reservoir simulation and design optimization in TEOR projects. These often include advanced capabilities for handling the complex physics involved in heat transfer and fluid flow in porous media. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• CMG (Computer Modelling Group): A suite of reservoir simulation software commonly used for TEOR projects.
• ECLIPSE (Schlumberger): Another widely used reservoir simulator with extensive capabilities for thermal modeling.
• STARS (Computer Modelling Group): A specialized thermal simulator for steam injection processes.
• Other specialized packages: Several other commercial and proprietary software packages exist with features tailored to specific TEOR techniques and reservoir conditions.

The choice of software depends on the project's specific needs and the expertise of the engineering team.

Chapter 4: Best Practices

Successful TEOR projects require careful planning and execution. Best practices include:

• Thorough Reservoir Characterization: Detailed geological and geophysical studies are essential to understand reservoir properties and optimize injection strategies.
• Optimized Injection Strategy: The injection rate, well placement, and injection pattern should be carefully designed based on reservoir simulation results.
• Monitoring and Control: Real-time monitoring of reservoir pressure, temperature, and production rates is critical for effective control and optimization of the TEOR process.
• Environmental Management: Minimizing environmental impact through responsible water management, greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies, and waste disposal practices is crucial.
• Safety Procedures: Rigorous safety protocols are essential to prevent accidents during the drilling, injection, and production phases.
• Regular Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of wells and surface equipment is necessary to ensure efficient and reliable operation.

Adherence to best practices significantly improves the efficiency and reduces the risk associated with TEOR projects.

Chapter 5: Case Studies

Numerous case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of TEOR in enhancing oil recovery. Specific examples vary widely depending on reservoir type and TEOR method employed. These case studies often highlight:

• The specific reservoir characteristics: Including geological properties, oil viscosity, and reservoir geometry.
• The TEOR technique used: Describing the chosen method (steam injection, in-situ combustion, etc.) and injection parameters.
• The results achieved: Quantifying the increase in oil recovery and production rates.
• The challenges encountered: Discussing any operational difficulties or unexpected outcomes.
• Lessons learned: Providing insights into best practices and areas for improvement in future projects.

Analyzing these case studies provides valuable insights into the applicability and limitations of different TEOR techniques under various reservoir conditions. Access to detailed case studies often requires subscription to industry databases or specialized reports.