Chemical EOR: The Screening, Design, Implementation and Monitoring of Projects
Disciplines: Production and Operations | Reservoir
Course Description
The aim of this two day course is to present a comprehensive introduction to the concepts and application of chemical EOR. The course introduces the basic principles of chemical EOR with alkali, surfactant and polymer (ASP). The screening, design, implementation and monitoring of chemical EOR projects is then developed.
The basic principles of chemical EOR include the generation of ultra-low interfacial tension for microscopic displacement and the use of viscosity to improve areal sweep and conformance. The screening of reservoirs for appropriate chemical EOR processes – together with essential reservoir characterization needed for chemical EOR – is discussed. Systems concepts are introduced in order to illustrate how chemical EOR approaches can be designed and implemented in conjunction with laboratory and reservoir studies. Systems studied include:
- Polymer (P) for mobility or conformance control;
- Surfactant and polymer (SP);
- Alkali and polymer (AP);
- Alkali, surfactant and polymer (ASP)
The design of a pilot together with the simulation of chemical EOR processes is discussed in detail – with emphasis on defining the criteria of success. The importance of integration of facility design with subsurface knowledge is stressed. Project implementation issues are discussed with reference to several case studies – and the key role of project monitoring and surveillance is stressed and illustrated.
This course places great emphasis on identifying and mitigating risks and uncertainties associated with chemical EOR. The reasons why some past projects failed are analyzed with the aim of ensuring future applications do not repeat basic mistakes – as sometimes occurred in the 1980s.
Learning Level
Introductory
Course Length
2 Days
Why Attend
Attendees will learn the basic principles of chemical EOR and its application in the field. Key concepts explained and illustrated are the basic technical chemical EOR processes, screening criteria and reservoir characterization for chemical EOR, design of chemical systems, simulation of chemical processes and pilot project design, facility design and project implementation, and surveillance and monitoring in the field. Attendees will learn the importance of a team approach and communication between disciplines, together with the need to actively manage risk and uncertainty in chemical EOR projects.
Who Attends
The course is for Reservoir Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, Production Engineers, Facilities Engineers and Asset Managers who are considering, or are interested in, chemical EOR applications in the field.
CEUs
1.6 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are awarded for this 2-day course.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be received no later than 14 days prior to the course start date. Cancellations made after the 14-day window will not be refunded. Refunds will not be given due to no show situations.
Training sessions attached to SPE conferences and workshops follow the cancellation policies stated on the event information page. Please check that page for specific cancellation information.
SPE reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule courses at will. Notification of changes will be made as quickly as possible; please keep this in mind when arranging travel, as SPE is not responsible for any fees charged for cancelling or changing travel arrangements.
We reserve the right to substitute course instructors as necessary.
Instructor
Alistair Fletcher has been working as a consultant for the last five years through his own company Parr Systems International Pty. Ltd. He is an experienced petroleum engineer, program / project manager, risk and uncertainty assessor, researcher, and research coordinator. He has 30 years experience at the interfaces of business and academia, and science and engineering.
Alistair started his career with BP Research and BP Exploration, where he spent 10 years developing and then leading the chemical EOR team. During this time he was involved with the Forties surfactant EOR project, and the development / application of chemical EOR systems for indepth profile control systems. From 2004 – 2007 Alistair was an Associate Professor in the Nanochemistry Research Institute (NRI) at Curtin University of Technology focusing on oilfield chemistry and EOR. Prior to this he spent fifteen years researching and applying new reservoir engineering concepts, together with application of risk and uncertainty analysis in the oil industry, at CSIRO Petroleum and PSTI (a UK based research institute).
In addition to EOR / IOR, Alistair has been active in the areas of oilfield chemistry, flow assurance, fluid-rock interaction, core flooding, gas condensates, wettability, uncertainty, decision-making, risk analysis, complex systems and nanotechnology.
Summary of EOR Experience:
- EOR Advisor to Chevron Australia, Barrow Island Polymer Trial (2006-2012). Responsibilities included EOR screening, laboratory design and coreflood studies, and reservoir characterization for EOR. Advice and input given on pilot design, facilities design, field application, and surveillance and monitoring; together with advice and input on simulation of EOR processes and analysis of results.
- Application of Chemical EOR for BP Exploration (1986-1990). Field applications includedthe following EOR projects:
- Mobility control polymer EOR project for BP Canada (Chauvin Field);
- In-depth gelation for conformance control in BP Alaska Kuparuk Field;
- Near well profile modification treatments by polymer gels for BPUK Land, Middle Eastern and North American applications.
- Research and Development of Chemical EOR for BP Exploration (1981-1990). Research and Development studies included:
- Laboratory and (reservoir condition) coreflood studies of polymer and surfactant EOR processes;
- Theoretical developments of mobility, profile and in-depth EOR processes;
- Role of fractures on polymer injectivity;
- Wettability alteration and EOR processes.
- Relevant Areas of Work Experience (1991-2010). The following areas of work experience have relevance to chemical EOR applications:
- Risk and uncertainty assessment for EOR, CO2 sequestration, GTL / LNG business opportunities, over pressure drilling and prospect appraisal;
- Transformational technology for alumina production (Parr Systems consultancy);
- Systems thinking and process analysis for the oil industry including CO2 disposal;d. Project management of several oil, gas and mining studies;
- Reservoir characterization, laboratory studies and simulation studies;
- Nanotechnology and its application in the oil and gas industry;
Alistair is the author of 30+ publications / conference papers together with numerous reports and articles. He is an experienced presenter of courses, lectures and workshops and an experienced communicator with scientists, engineers, managers and students. He is an experienced organizer of symposia, conferences, technical meetings and workshops.
Key teaching achievements and deliverables include:
- Developing a complete course “Master of Enterprise and Technology” for Curtin University of Technology – including units on strategy and risk; organizations and people; business planning; the enterprise environment and enterprise skills.
- Development of courses on wettability, EOR/IOR, the application of nanotechnology in the oil industry, risk and uncertainty in the oil industry, and project management.