Evaluation of enhanced oil recovery methods for mature continental heavy oil fields in China based on geology, technology and sustainability criteria

Yue Yao, Deqiang Sun, Jin-Hua Xu, Bin Wang, Guohong Peng and Bingmei Sun

Energy, 2023, vol. 278, issue PB

Abstract: Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods in mature oil fields play an irreplaceable role in supporting the long-term and stable production of crude oil. This study establishes a unified and comparable evaluation index system based on geology, technology and sustainability, re-evaluates the existing EOR projects focused on heavy oil extraction by utilizing hybrid AHP-CRITIC-FCE models, and selects the most efficient, economic, and low-carbon footprint EOR technologies to facilitate the development of mature Chinese heavy oil fields. Three main criteria and nineteen subcriteria are considered in the multi-criteria decision-making system. The weights given to criteria are determined by combining the subjective AHP and objective CRITIC methods. The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is adopted to prioritize the performance of the EOR process. Empirical analysis is conducted on seven typical heavy oil technologies. The study finds that geological factors account for the largest proportion, and the top five indicators in terms of weight are buried depth, recovery factor, viscosity, operating cost per tonne of oil and reservoir thickness. Three technologies are recommended for potential future green footprint heavy oil EOR methods. This study combines both expert judgment and field data appraisal to help decision makers better plan the future strategic layout of EOR technology.

Keywords: Enhanced oil recovery; Heavy oil; Mature oil field; China; Evaluation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:278:y:2023:i:pb:s0360544223013567

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.127962

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