Jack Allan and S Qing Sun
, 2003, 30(6): 744-0.
Abstract (
)
Download PDF (
)
Knowledge map
Save
One hundred fractured reservoirs from around the world were evaluated to determine how ultimate recovery was affected by inherent reservoir and fluid properties, such as porosity, permeability, viscosity, mobility ratio, Sw, wet ability, fracture distribution, and drive mechanism vs. the choice of reservoir management strategy, e.g., optimization of production rate and type of EOR technique. Fractured oil reservoirs were divided into four groups. Type Ⅰ reservoirs have little matrix porosity and permeability. Fractures provide both storage capacity and fluid-flow pathways. Type Ⅱ reservoirs have low matrix porosity and permeability. Matrix provides some storage capacity and fractures provide the fluid-flow pathways. Type Ⅲ (microporous) reservoirs have high matrix porosity and low matrix permeability. Matrix provides the storage capacity and fractures provide the fluid-flow pathways. Type Ⅳ (macroporous) reservoirs have high matrix porosity and permeability. Matrix provides both storage capacity and fluid-flow pathways, while fractures merely enhance permeability. Results of studying 26 Type Ⅱ and 20 Type Ⅲ reservoirs demonstrate that recovery factor is controlled by different factors in these two reservoir types. Recovery factor in Type Ⅱ reservoirs is sensitive to aquifer-drive strength and optimization of flow rate. Type Ⅱ reservoirs are easily damaged by excessive production rates, but when managed properly, some achieve good recovery without the need for secondary or enhanced recovery programs. Recovery factor in Type Ⅲ reservoirs is affected by inherent rock and fluid properties, particularly matrix permeability, API gravity, wet ability, and fracture intensity. The choice of proper EOR technique is essential for optimum exploitation. No Type Ⅲ reservoir is produced to final depletion without the aid of some type of secondary or EOR technique. Recognition of the differences between Type Ⅱ and Type Ⅲ fractured reservoirs should lead to better choices of exploitation strategy.