Improved Oil and Gas Recovery from Difficult to Exploit Reservoirs

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This research program is aimed at improving the understanding of reservoir mechanics involved in oil and gas recovery processes and extending the reach of such recovery processes to deposits of marginal quality that are not exploitable with current technology. These include thin heavy oil formations, heavy oil deposits in fractured carbonate formations, bitumen deposits containing bottom or top water zones, heavy oil deposits that have been depleted by cold production but still contain high oil saturation and deposits of methane hydrates. This research involves experimental and theoretical examination of basic mechanisms involved in improved oil recovery processes. The research projects proposed for the continuation of this program include the following. i. Two-Phase Flow in Fractures: We have studied the flow patterns and relative permeability characteristics in smooth-walled and rough-walled Hele-Shaw cells during simultaneous flow of oil and water. The proposed continuation of this work will evaluate the effects of fracture thickness, fracture and flow orientation, wettability and wall roughness on flow characteristics. ii. Gas Hydrates in Porous Media: This project is aimed at examining the mechanics of hydrate formation and decomposition in porous media. Experiments are being conducted in sand-packs to measure the effects of hydrate formation on permeability and thermal conductivity of hydrate saturated sand beds. This data is needed for modeling the formation and decomposition of hydrates in porous media. iii. Diffusivity of Light Hydrocarbons in Heavy Oil: This project involves measurements of diffusivity of light hydrocarbons in heavy oils at elevated temperatures and pressures. The focus has been to improve the experimental techniques for such measurements and to use the improved techniques for investigating the effect of concentration on diffusivity. The project aims to provide the industry an extensive database of measured diffusivities in Canadian heavy oils.