Field-Scale Numerical Modeling of Multiple-Contact-Miscible Processes Using Horizontal Wells in Heterogeneous Reservoirs

The recent upsurge in the number of horizontal wells being drilled and completed, coupled with dwindling domestic oil reserves and diminishing chances of discovering large fields, will inevitably lead to more widespread application of horizontal wells in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes, especially miscible-gas flood processes. In anticipation of this future development, a field-scale numerical simulation study is proposed to assess the technical feasibility of applying multiplecontact- miscible (MCM) processes in horizontal wells, and to determine the realms of applicability - with respect to reservoir heterogeneity - of such processes. The fieldscale numerical model will incorporate the fine details of reservoir heterogeneity, thus requiring the identification, implementation, and testing of a rigorous and systematic reservoir characterization procedure, and a simple, yet robust and accurate scale averaging method in the model. Finally, the biggest motivation of this study is to provide the industry with a reliable and accurate tool for the design and performance prediction of field-scale projects utilizing MCM floods in horizontal wells, so that the associated project risks will be minimized and the incremental oil recovery optimized. This tool could be used to provide a better understanding of the effects and sensitivity of some basic process and design parameters with respect to the degree and type of heterogeneities, and could also be used to identify and establish the optimum range of some of the design parameters.