Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Introduction to Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

• Understand the concept and importance of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in improving oil recovery from mature and underperforming reservoirs.
• Review the primary EOR techniques, including thermal recovery, gas injection, chemical flooding, and microbial EOR, and their suitability for various reservoir conditions.
• Discuss the role of pilot projects in testing and implementing EOR methods to assess their viability and economic feasibility.

2. EOR Screening Criteria and Selection Process

• Learn how to evaluate reservoirs for EOR potential using key screening criteria such as reservoir properties, fluid characteristics, and field performance.
• Understand how to select the most suitable EOR method based on reservoir conditions, production goals, and economic considerations.
• Study the evaluation matrix for comparing various EOR techniques and determining the most appropriate method for a given reservoir.

3. EOR Pilot Project Design and Planning

• Learn the steps involved in designing and planning an EOR pilot project, including defining objectives, scope, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Understand how to develop a pilot design that accounts for reservoir heterogeneity, fluid dynamics, and operational constraints.
• Study the process of selecting appropriate pilot well placement and injection patterns to optimize EOR effectiveness.
• Review the necessary data requirements for successful pilot design, including geological, geophysical, and reservoir engineering data.

4. EOR Pilot Implementation and Operations

• Understand the operational aspects of implementing an EOR pilot project, including site preparation, well drilling, and installation of injection systems.
• Learn how to manage pilot injection operations, including injection rates, monitoring, and adjusting parameters to ensure optimal results.
• Study the challenges faced during the pilot implementation phase, such as equipment failure, reservoir response, and operational issues, and how to mitigate them.
• Learn how to monitor pilot performance using key data such as production rates, pressure changes, and fluid injection volumes.

5. Monitoring and Surveillance During the EOR Pilot

• Study the importance of real-time monitoring and surveillance techniques in tracking the progress of an EOR pilot project.
• Learn about tools and technologies used for reservoir monitoring, including pressure sensors, production logging tools, well testing, and downhole monitoring systems.
• Understand how to analyze the pilot data to assess the effectiveness of the EOR method, including tracking recovery factors, fluid movement, and pressure changes.
• Explore the use of reservoir simulation models to forecast pilot outcomes and optimize injection strategies.

6. EOR Pilot Evaluation and Performance Analysis

• Learn how to analyze the results of an EOR pilot, focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as oil recovery factor, injection efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and economic viability.
• Understand the importance of economic analysis in evaluating the potential for scaling up from a pilot to full-field implementation.
• Study the application of statistical analysis and uncertainty quantification in evaluating pilot performance and predicting future outcomes.
• Learn how to identify potential failures or inefficiencies during the pilot phase and develop solutions for improvement.

7. Integration of Pilot Results into Full-Field EOR Development

• Understand the process of transitioning from a successful pilot to a full-field EOR project by scaling up operations and optimizing injection patterns and well placements.
• Learn how to integrate pilot data into reservoir simulation models for full-field predictions and optimization of reservoir management strategies.
• Explore the key challenges of scaling up EOR operations, including reservoir variability, operational capacity, and economic feasibility.
• Study case studies of successful transitions from pilot to full-field EOR projects and key lessons learned.

8. Economic and Environmental Considerations of EOR Pilots

• Learn about the economic challenges associated with EOR pilots, including the high upfront costs, operational expenditures, and return on investment (ROI).
• Study how to assess the economic viability of EOR projects using tools like NPV (Net Present Value), IRR (Internal Rate of Return), and break-even analysis.
• Explore the environmental impacts of EOR techniques and how to minimize risks, such as CO2 emissions, water usage, and chemical disposal.
• Understand the regulatory and compliance requirements for conducting EOR projects, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas.

9. Case Studies and Real-World Applications of EOR Pilots

• Analyze real-world case studies of successful and unsuccessful EOR pilot projects, including the challenges faced and solutions implemented.
• Study the application of various EOR methods in different reservoirs (e.g., sandstone, carbonate, heavy oil) and field conditions (e.g., onshore, offshore, mature fields).
• Learn from the experiences of major oil companies and operators in designing, implementing, and scaling up EOR pilots for enhanced recovery.
• Examine the lessons learned from pilot projects that failed to meet expectations and how those lessons can guide future EOR efforts.

10. Future Trends in EOR Technologies

• Explore the future of EOR technologies, including advanced chemical injection methods, nano-technology, CO2 sequestration, and low-carbon EOR strategies.
• Study the development of integrated EOR techniques combining thermal, gas, and chemical methods for improved reservoir performance.
• Understand the role of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data analytics in optimizing EOR pilot design and operations.
• Discuss the potential for smart fields and digital oilfields in enhancing EOR performance through automation, data integration, and real-time monitoring.

Target Audience

This course is designed for professionals involved in the design, implementation, and management of EOR pilot projects, including those in oil exploration, production, and reservoir management. The target audience includes:

• Reservoir Engineers
• Production Engineers
• Field Operations Managers
• Geoscientists and Geologists
• Project Managers
• Consultants in EOR and Reservoir Engineering
• Research and Development (R&D) Engineers
• Environmental and Regulatory Specialists