Feasibility study, comparative analysis, and optimization of natural gas Huff-n-Puff processes in Duvernay and Eagle Ford formations

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The global energy demand is expected to increase while the hydrocarbon production rate from conventional resources has been declining. This has motivated the industry to develop unconventional resources by hydraulic fracturing operations. Canada has massive unconventional resources with an estimated 425 billion barrels of shale and tight oil in-place in Alberta alone. However, the industry is facing serious economical and environmental challenges for sustainable development of such resources. Although horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing have successfully unlocked hydrocarbon production from tight resources, the primary oil recovery factors are very low (5-10% of the original oil in-place). Therefore, the industry needs to apply enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques to improve the efficiency of such operations. Injecting the produced natural gas into the depleted unconventional reservoirs has been considered as potential technique to improve oil recovery factor of these reservoirs.The proposed research aims to conduct systematic laboratory experiments and mathematical analyses for feasibility study, comparative analysis, and optimization of cyclic natural gas injection (Huff-n-Puff) in the Duvernay and EagleFord formations. The two formations are source rocks with similar geological, petrographic, and petrophysical properties. The laboratory results will be analyzed in conjunction with the field data to design optimum pilot tests in the two formations by the supporting organizations. Three PhD and twoMSc students and one PDF will conduct the proposed laboratory and modelling studies. The University of Alberta team will collaborate with experts from the supporting organizations to develop guidelines 1) to identify candidate wells based on their rock and fluid properties, and 2) to optimize the composition of Huff-n-Puff fluids and operational parameters. The research team will acquire relevant technical expertise to be well-poised to join the Canadian oil and gas industry, and continue the responsible development of the nation's unconventional resources.