Simulation-Based Optimization Workflow of CO<sub>2</sub>-EOR for Hydraulic Fractured Wells in Wolfcamp A Formation
Hydraulic fracturing has enabled production from unconventional reservoirs in the U.S., but production rates often decline sharply, limiting recovery factors to under 10%. This study proposes an optimization workflow for the CO<sub>2</sub> huff-n-puff process for multistage-fractured hor...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-10-01
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| Series: | Fuels |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3994/5/4/37 |
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| Summary: | Hydraulic fracturing has enabled production from unconventional reservoirs in the U.S., but production rates often decline sharply, limiting recovery factors to under 10%. This study proposes an optimization workflow for the CO<sub>2</sub> huff-n-puff process for multistage-fractured horizontal wells in the Wolfcamp A formation in the Delaware Basin. The potential for enhanced oil recovery and CO<sub>2</sub> sequestration simultaneously was addressed using a coupled geomechanics–reservoir simulation. Geomechanical properties were derived from a 1D mechanical earth model and integrated into reservoir simulation to replicate hydraulic fracture geometries. The fracture model was validated using a robust production history matching. A fluid phase behavior analysis refined the equation of state, and 1D slim tube simulations determined a minimum miscibility pressure of 4300 psi for CO<sub>2</sub> injection. After the primary production phase, various CO<sub>2</sub> injection rates were tested from 1 to 25 MMSCFD/well, resulting in incremental oil recovery ranging from 6.3% to 69.3%. Different injection, soaking and production cycles were analyzed to determine the ideal operating condition. The optimal scenario improved cumulative oil recovery by 68.8% while keeping the highest CO<sub>2</sub> storage efficiency. The simulation approach proposed by this study provides a comprehensive and systematic workflow for evaluating and optimizing CO<sub>2</sub> huff-n-puff in hydraulically fractured wells, enhancing the recovery factor of unconventional reservoirs. |
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| ISSN: | 2673-3994 |