Field control technologies of combustion assisted gravity drainage (CAGD)

• Published in: Petroleum exploration and development 2017-10, Vol.44 (5), p.797-804
• Main Authors: GUAN, Wenlong, XI, Changfeng, CHEN, Long, Muhetar, GAO, Chengguo, TANG, Junshi, LI, Qiu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: combustion assisted gravity drainage; fire flooding; physical simulation; pilot; super-heavy oil reservoir
• ISSN: 1876-3804; 1876-3804
• DOI: 10.1016/S1876-3804(17)30090-3

The targets, strategies and approaches of the field controlling processes of combustion assisted gravity drainage (CAGD) are discussed based on the research of its mechanisms, advantages and defects. By taking fully advantage of gravity, CAGD process can produce the mobilized oil near the combustion front through the underlying horizontal well, serving as a possible solution for extra-heavy oil production in Xinjiang oil field. However, unidirectional conning and breakthrough of combustion front are risky to happen during the field application of CAGD. Based on laboratory three-dimensional physical simulation experiments and the experience of former pilots, it is proposed that a gently upward sloping combustion front is beneficial for the steady drainage of mobilized oil and should be the target of CAGD control. Key production parameters like the maximum production rate and corresponding air injection rate during field application are calculated with reservoir engineering approach and material balance theory. The maximum oil production rate of the CAGD pilot in Block Fengcheng, Xinjiang oil field, is 12.9 m3/d, and the air injection rate is 14 048 m3/d. To maximize the oil productivity and sustain combustion front moving forward steadily, the ignition position should be located at the mid-upper parts of the formation; the air injection rate at the early stage should keep slow and increase gradually; meanwhile, the production rate of flue gas should be 90% of the air injection rate. A pilot of CAGD was initiated in the Xinjiang Fengcheng Field on the basis of those research outcomes. By the end of 2016, Well Group FH005 in the pilot has succeeded in steady production for more than 400 days. Key aspects, involving the shape of combustion chamber, oil production of single horizontal producer, air oil ratio and the degree of oil upgrading are in accordance with what the development plan predicted.