Coupling Mechanism of Multiple-Thermal-Fluid Multi-Cycle Stimulation in Ultra-Heavy-Oil Reservoirs

Hongfei Ma, Bing Bo, Anzhu Xu, Shuqin Wang, Chenggang Wang, Minghui Liu, Fachao Shan, Lun Zhao () and Gang Ma
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Hongfei Ma: Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development (RIPED), Beijing 100083, China
Bing Bo: Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development (RIPED), Beijing 100083, China
Anzhu Xu: Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development (RIPED), Beijing 100083, China
Shuqin Wang: Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development (RIPED), Beijing 100083, China
Chenggang Wang: Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development (RIPED), Beijing 100083, China
Minghui Liu: Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development (RIPED), Beijing 100083, China
Fachao Shan: Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development (RIPED), Beijing 100083, China
Lun Zhao: Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development (RIPED), Beijing 100083, China
Gang Ma: Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development (RIPED), Beijing 100083, China

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-12

Abstract: Multiple-thermal-fluid (MTF) stimulation technology has been successfully applied in heavy-oil reservoir development, resulting in the significant enhancement of oil production. However, the underlying mechanism of multi-component coupling remains unclear. This paper constructs a coupling model for MTF stimulation, investigates the coupling mechanism of different media in various zones during multiple-cycle stimulation operations, and compares the implementation effect with field results. The findings reveal that (1) based on media distribution, the area from near-wellbore to far well locations can be divided into four zones: high-temperature oil-viscosity-reduction zones, compound action zones, energy-replenishment zones, and unaffected zones. (2) In the high-temperature oil-viscosity-reduction zone, the latent heat of vaporization is released by steam, and ultra-heavy oil absorbs heat and reduces its viscosity, which plays a dominant role in the production of MTF. In the compound action zone, hot water, CO 2 , and N 2 exhibit a synergistic effect which enhances overall performance. In the energy-replenishment zone, a small amount of N 2 provides pressure maintenance and an additional energy supply. (3) As more cycles of stimulation are conducted, the compound action zone expands, while the energy-replenishment zone contracts. Simultaneously, there is a decrease in contribution rate from the high-temperature viscosity-reduction zone to oil production but an increase from both the compound action zone and energy-replenishment zone up to 30%. Based on the dynamic law of representative wells, this paper proposes a multi-media zonal coupling mechanism, providing a reference for subsequent research on MTF stimulation mechanisms and the adjustment of production measures.

Keywords: multiple thermal fluid; mechanism zonal division; coupling mechanism of different components and different zones; ultra-heavy oil reservoir; production dynamic law (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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