Optimization of Development of Heavy Oil Reservoirs through Geochemical Characterization

Geochemistry is not only a well-known tool in providing a better understanding of the distribution of fluids in the reservoir rock but also an efficient kit in developing reservoir by decreasing the uncertainty throughout the characterization process. Utilizing geochemistry, not only efficiently identify the fluids and type of oil alteration drastically laterally and vertically over short distances in heavy oil reservoirs where such differences are of significant importance in production of heavy oils in these already challenging reservoirs, but also outline the value of geochemistry to justify the value of information in the process of more robust reservoir characterization and management of heavy oil reservoirs. A conceptual model representative heavy oil reservoir recovery is utilized to compare the recoveries between a case where geochemistry is applied to characterize the reservoir and another case where geochemical methods are not employed by using a full-physics commercial reservoir simulator. A sensitivity and optimization software is coupled with the reservoir simulator to outline the relative significance of the important parameters in the recovery process. Geochemical characterization, not only, provides information on gas content and its likely behavior where it can also lead to better decisions on completion strategies to avoid zones of different viscosity, but also the essential correlation between the geochemistry and the thermodynamics of heavy oil. Comprehensive reservoir characterization leads to a more robust identification of reservoir fluids where such knowledge will greatly enhance the efficiency thus the economics of the process that is especially important in low oil price environments. There is lack of studies recently on the application of geochemical characterization on the recovery of the process analyzing the relative significance of components, key drivers and the value of the information throughout the process, even though some authors have been published their research on geochemistry and its use in the characterization of the reservoirs. Our study outlines a comprehensive background including latest developments, investigates the key factors, and the value of information on comparative cases considering the relevant components of the process.