In the heart of China’s Subei Basin, a groundbreaking approach to enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is transforming the energy landscape. Jiangsu Oilfield, a subsidiary of Sinopec, has been pioneering the use of CO2 flooding technology to boost oil production in complex fault block reservoirs. This innovative method, detailed in a recent study published in ‘Youqicang pingjia yu kaifa’ (translated as ‘Oilfield Evaluation and Development’), is not just about extracting more oil; it’s about doing so in a way that aligns with global green initiatives.
The Subei Basin presents unique challenges with its intricate fault block reservoirs. Traditional EOR methods often fall short in such complex environments. Enter TANG Jiandong, WANG Zhilin, and GE Zhengjun, researchers from Sinopec Jiangsu Oilfield and the Exploitation and Development Research Institution. They have developed four distinct CO2 EOR models tailored to these challenging reservoirs. “Our goal was to create a solution that not only increases oil recovery but also leverages CO2 in a way that contributes to carbon management,” said TANG Jiandong, lead author of the study.
One of the standout achievements is the successful pilot of the “simulated horizontal well” Gas-Assisted Gravity Drainage (GAGD) technology in the Hua-26 fault block. This method has proven to be a game-changer, leading to the development of a 100,000-ton CO2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) project. The results speak for themselves: Jiangsu Oilfield has injected a total of 303,400 tons of liquid CO2, resulting in a cumulative oil increase of 98,300 tons. The economic benefits are substantial, but the environmental implications are even more significant.
The implications of this research extend far beyond the Subei Basin. As the world grapples with the dual challenges of energy security and climate change, technologies like CO2 EOR offer a promising path forward. By capturing and utilizing CO2, these methods not only enhance oil recovery but also reduce the carbon footprint of oil production. This dual benefit is crucial for the energy sector as it navigates the transition to a low-carbon future.
The success in Jiangsu Oilfield serves as a blueprint for other complex reservoirs around the world. The techniques developed by TANG, WANG, and GE can be adapted and applied in similar geological settings, providing a valuable tool for energy companies striving to balance production with sustainability. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights from this research will undoubtedly shape future developments in EOR and carbon management.
The study, published in ‘Youqicang pingjia yu kaifa’, underscores the importance of innovation in the face of complex challenges. It is a testament to the potential of CO2 flooding technology to revolutionize oil recovery and contribute to the global effort towards a greener, more sustainable energy future. As the energy sector looks to the future, the lessons from Jiangsu Oilfield will be invaluable in shaping a more resilient and environmentally conscious industry.