Simulation Studies of CO2-type EOR Methods Coupled with Carbon Storage

Summary This study assesses seven CO2-type Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods in a stratified dipping reservoir, including CO2 injection and combinations. It aims to compare their effectiveness in terms of recovery factor, water-cut, and carbon storage capacity using reservoir simulation. The scope encompasses evaluating the efficacy of these techniques for enhancing oil recovery and carbon storage while offering insights into optimal EOR strategies for reservoir management and environmental sustainability. The study explores the availability of CO2 from natural and industrial sources, including post-consumption flue gas. This study investigates seven CO2-type EOR methods, including CO2 injection, carbonated WAG (CWAG), carbonated water injection (CWI), CO2-WAG, CO2-HC-WAG, Flue gas WAG (FWAG), and CO2 with low salinity water WAG (LSWAG), in a stratified dipping reservoir using a reservoir simulator. These methods are evaluated based on recovery factor, water-cut, and carbon storage capacity. Results indicate LSWAG, CWAG, and pure CO2 injection as the most effective in enhancing recovery factors (80%, 79%, 78%, respectively), while pure CO2 injection, CWAG, and CO2-WAG demonstrated the lowest water-cuts (64%, 67%, 70%, respectively). CO2-type EOR techniques not only enhance recovery factors but also offer potential for CO2 storage. Particularly, CWI and CO2-LSWAG display significant potential for CO2 storage, with capacities of 80% and 53%, respectively. The findings underline the significance of CO2 injection as a sustainable EOR strategy, particularly in offshore fields where natural CO2 sources are scarce. Industrial CO2 emissions, including those from natural gas processing and fertilizers, and post-consumption flue gas offer viable alternatives for CO2 injection. The study sheds light on the versatility of CO2 sources and underscores their role in sustainable EOR practices. These insights provide valuable guidance for reservoir management, emphasizing the potential of CO2-type EOR methods in enhancing oil recovery and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to both environmental sustainability and efficient reservoir management. This study breaks new ground by examining seven CO2-type Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods in a stratified dipping reservoir. It compares their efficacy in terms of recovery factor, water-cut, and carbon storage capacity using advanced reservoir simulation. Novel combinations like CO2-HC-WAG and FWAG are explored, alongside traditional methods. Results identify LSWAG, CWAG, and pure CO2 injection as top performers in recovery factor, while CWI and CO2-LSWAG show promise for CO2 storage, signaling innovative approaches for sustainable reservoir management.