Application of predictive enhanced oil recovery models on a very heavy oil field

In this study, several predictive enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques are used to evaluate potential thermal oil recovery techniques that could be applied on a very heavy oil (10-12 degrees API) field located in Southeast Turkey. Two of the EOR techniques were found to be applicable after the screening process: in situ combustion and steam injection. Sensitivity of the processes to several operating parameters, such as steam injection rate, air injection rate, and steam quality, were established. It was observed that initial project life was not critical in steam injection. However, at higher air injection rates project life was shorter for in situ combustion. As a result of steam-flood and in situ combustion model applications, it was observed that the steam-flood model provided higher recoveries and longer project lives with low residual oil saturation.