Computational Analysis of Geotherma-Enhanced Heavy Oil Production

Abstract

This study seeks to research the incorporation of geothermal energy with steam injection for better recovery of heavy oil in offshore and thermally challenging reservoirs. The goal is to determine the effects of steam temperature, well spacing, and oil mobility on reservoir pressure and energy efficiency in long-term production supply scenarios. A comprehensive numerical simulation approach was applied utilizing CMG-STARS software to simulate Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) with steam injection. The case study relied on Bohai NB35-2S offshore heavy oil reservoir. A number of operational parameters were tested: steam temperatures of 150°C, 200°C, and 250°C, along with well distances of 100m, 150m, and 200m. These were analyzed for their impact on oil recovery, pressure changes during production, and production stability over a simulated period of 10 years. The results indicate increased temperatures did lower oil viscosity and short-term daily oil production rates; however, these outcomes did not influence cumulative oil production. Lower temperatures (especially 150°C) sustained bottom-hole pressures and provided longer production phases, especially at closer well spacing. Wider well configurations had higher heat loss, unstable pressure, and reduced effectiveness. During sensitivity analysis, higher temperatures also increased steam-oil ratio (SOR) with operational risk, which limits long-term sustainability.

Optimal recovery was reached with a leveled moderate thermal input and compact well spacing. It presents a new hybrid geothermal-steam recovery model that addresses the particular difficulties posed by offshore heavy oil reservoirs. By integrating considerations of thermal efficiency with spatial arrangement, the research provides a valuable guideline for the design of energy-efficient and operationally resilient oil recovery systems. It contributes to the operational needs of field engineers and energy strategists in the context of enduring enhanced oil recovery (EOR) implementation.

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