Performance prediction of different recovery mechanisms during steam injection in non-fractured and naturally fractured light oil reservoirs

It is well known that steam injection exhibits positive result in heavy oil reservoirs. In theory, the same application has the potential to be applied in light oil reservoirs to boost the production. The performance prediction model for a nine-spot steam flood pattern reservoir was developed using the SPE fourth comparative solution model to analyse the impact of different recovery mechanisms during steam injection for the light fluid sample in non-fractured and naturally fractured reservoirs. This model accounts for the variation in permeability and thickness for each layer generated. The heterogeneous model was represented by 1/8 of a nine-spot pattern unit. The simulation model examines the comparison between non-fractured and naturally fractured reservoirs. Simulation results indicate vaporisation is the dominant recovery mechanism in a naturally fractured reservoir, whereas fluid displacement and wet ability are the dominant recovery mechanisms for a non-fractured light oil reservoir. [Received: February 24, 2018; Accepted: August 27, 2018]