Optimizing CO2 Sweep Based on Geochemical and Reservoir Characterization of the Residual Oil Zone of Hess Seminole Unit

This project will perform a detailed geologic characterization and produce a new reservoir model of the largest producing residual oil zone (ROZ) in the Permian Basin, Hess Seminole San Andres Unit, based on core logging, petrography, and stratigraphic correlation of facies using core and wireline logging results. The new ROZ model will be used to design sophisticated multiphase fluid flow simulations to test different injection strategies. The team will compare the cost effectiveness of using a range of different strategies (such as use of horizontal injector wells, strategies to modify the viscosity of CO₂ such as foam, and various strategies to alternate CO₂ and water during injection) to optimize both oil production and incidental CO₂storage. Recommendations to optimize the sweep of CO₂ in the reservoir will be presented to the operator of the reservoir for potential future implementation and testing.

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The Seminole San Andres Unit production history showing production peaks for primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary production types.

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Optimizing CO2 Sweep Based on Geochemical and Reservoir Characterization of the Residual Oil Zone of Hess Seminole Unit (Aug 2017)
Presented by Ian Duncan, University of Texas at Austin, 2017 Carbon Storage and Oil and Natural Gas Technologies Review Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA
Optimizing CO2 Sweep Based on Geochemical and Reservoir Characterization of the Residual Oil Zone of Hess Seminole Unit (Aug 2016)
Presented by Ian Duncan, University of Texas at Austin, 2016 Carbon Storage and Oil and Natural Gas Technologies Review Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA
Optimizing CO2 Sweep based on Geochemical, and Reservoir Characterization of the Residual Oil Zone of Hess’s Seminole Unit (2014)
Project kickoff meeting presentation, December 4, 2014.

Principal Investigator

Ian Duncan

ian.duncan@beg.utexas.edu

Project Benefits

This project proposed a detailed characterization of a large, currently producing residual oil zone, Hess’s Seminole San Andres Unit. The project will investigate the controlling factors of sweep efficiency within a residual oil zone and identify the parameters by which CO₂ storage and oil production can be maximized. This will help the Storage Program achieve its goals of estimating CO₂ storage capacity ± 30%, and the safe and permanent long term storage of CO₂. Specifically, this project will use a new reservoir model, together with natural chemical and isotopic tracers to constrain computer simulations of multiphase fluid flow in this residual oil zone reservoir. These simulations will be designed to evaluate strategies to increase CO₂ storage as well as maximize oil production.

Project ID

FE0024375

Website

University of Texas at Austin

http://www.utexas.edu/