In a significant breakthrough for the energy sector, researchers at the Shengli Oilfield Company have unveiled innovative strategies to enhance oil recovery in mature fields facing the challenges of ultra-high water cut stages. As water-flooding reservoirs become the backbone of oil extraction in eastern China, the study led by WANG Jian at the Exploration and Development Research Institute highlights the ongoing potential for boosting oil yields despite the complexities of reservoir heterogeneity and development dynamics.
“While we have entered a phase where water consumption is extreme, our research shows that there are still viable pathways to improve oil recovery,” WANG noted. The findings, published in ‘Youqi dizhi yu caishoulu’—translated as ‘Geological and Resource Research’—reveal that through innovative techniques, an average oil recovery rate of 43.7% can be achieved even in challenging conditions.
The study emphasizes the development of several cutting-edge technologies, including near-resistance layer recombination and flow field adjustment techniques tailored for ultra-high water cut reservoirs. These advancements not only aim to control and reduce water consumption but also ensure stable production, a critical factor for profitability in the oil industry. WANG explained, “Our goal is to transform the way we approach water flooding, making it more efficient and sustainable.”
The research also delves into the complexities of fault block reservoirs, characterized by numerous faults and small remaining oil reserves. To tackle these challenges, the team developed artificial peripheral water flooding and stereoscopic development technologies, which have significantly improved reserve control and water flooding efficiency. With an average oil recovery of 29.4%, these methods are set to support stable and profitable production in these tricky environments.
Low-permeability reservoirs, often deemed difficult to exploit, are also a focus of this research. By exploring nonlinear flow mechanisms and pressure flooding strategies, the researchers have crafted differential development technologies that include water injection of simulated horizontal wells. These approaches have resulted in an impressive average oil recovery of 15.7%, showcasing the potential for rapid and efficient development in previously underperforming areas.
As the oil industry grapples with declining production rates in mature fields, the implications of this research are profound. By enhancing oil recovery technologies, companies can not only boost output but also extend the lifespan of existing fields, ultimately leading to greater energy security and economic stability.
With the energy landscape constantly evolving, WANG and his team are setting the stage for future advancements in oil recovery. “We are just scratching the surface of what is possible,” WANG remarked. “The direction we are heading in could redefine the standards for oil extraction in the years to come.”
The work of WANG Jian and his colleagues at Shengli Oilfield Company marks a pivotal step in the quest for sustainable energy solutions, underscoring the importance of innovation in tackling the pressing challenges of oil recovery. As the industry looks to the future, the lessons learned from this research will undoubtedly shape the next wave of development technologies, ensuring that the energy sector remains resilient and responsive to changing demands.
