Approach to Hydrodynamic Modeling of In-Situ Combustion in Carbonate Reservoir Based on the Results of Laboratory Studies and Preliminary Works for Pilot Test

Abstract

For the purpose of this work, the authors used an integrated approach to the modeling of in-situ combustion (ISC) including the results of laboratory studies and preliminary works, which significantly affect the choice of the method for implementing ISC and the results obtained in the process of modeling. The laboratory studies provided the data on the temperature range of the beginning of high-temperature oil oxidation, which is to be achieved during the modelling of the bottomhole zone heating. Based on the resulting injectivity profile, the reservoir distribution within the injection well zone in the geological model was updated. A high-permeability channel between the injection well and one of the production wells revealed during cold water injection explains the main oil production increment resulting from ISC and demonstrated by the reservoir simulation model. Based on the results of model runs for a more uniform distribution of the effect between producing wells, the best start-up time for the most reactive well was determined. Using dynamic modeling of in-situ combustion in a carbonate reservoir, the parameters of this technology implementation were found, and incremental oil production was estimated. For the first time, the ISC technology is planned for implementation in a carbonate reservoir with high-viscosity oil in Samara region. The developed integrated approach to the dynamic modeling of in-situ combustion, which considers both the laboratory studies and preparatory work data, enables the most accurately determination of the best ISC technological parameters and this technology contribution.