Title: Experimental investigation of miscible gas injection with different gases in petroleum reservoirs

Authors: Xiaohu Dong; Huiqing Liu; Zhennan Gao

Addresses: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum, No. 18 Fuxue Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102249, China ' Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum, No. 18 Fuxue Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102249, China ' Exploration and Development Research Institute of Tianjin Branch, China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Binhai New Village West Region, Tanggu District, Tianjin, 300450, China

Abstract: Miscible gas injection processes are among the effective methods for enhanced oil recovery. Aiming at three different types of light oil reservoir, we study the feasibility of miscible gas flooding of light oil reservoirs using the method of physical simulation. Several slimtube displacement experiments with different injected gases are carried out at the various pressure levels. These injected gases include carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon gas and flue gas. Thus, the minimum miscibility pressures of gas-oil system are studied, and the influence of oil components, injected gas, and reservoir properties on MMP are also discussed. Thereafter, we do a survey on the multiple-parameter correlations of CO₂-oil MMP prediction. Then, two models are selected to correct for accurately predicting the CO₂-oil MMP in this reservoir. This study could be used as a tool for the successful design of miscible gas injection project to enhance crude oil recovery in light oil reservoirs. [Received: February 23, 2013; Accepted: June 6, 2013]

Keywords: petroleum reservoirs; enhanced oil recovery; miscible gas injection; slim tube displacement; minimum miscibility pressure; MMP; light oil reservoirs; physical simulation; carbon dioxide; CO2; hydrocarbon gas; flue gas; crude oil recovery.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2015.068992

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2015 Vol.9 No.3, pp.280 - 295

Received: 25 Feb 2013
Accepted: 06 Jun 2013
Published online: 24 Apr 2015 *

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