SPE/DOE Enhanced Oil Recovery Symposium · 1990 · 11 citations · 9 references
EngineeringEarth SciencesPetroleum EngineeringReservoir EngineeringReservoir SimulationSubsurface Fluid FlowFoam FloodingTight Oil ReservoirsFoam Front PropagationFoam GenerationFoam InjectionFoam Injection StrategiesFoam PropagationIn Situ Foam GenerationPorous Media
ABSTRACT A series of experiments was conducted to study foam generation and propagation over long distances through porous media. To simplify the problem, they were performed in a one-dimensional physical model consisting of a 30-ft [9.14-m] -long sand-packed slim tube. All experiments were conducted at reservoir conditions of 2,000 psig [13.79 MPa] backpressure at 150° F [338.7 K]. Alipal CD-128 surfactant was used as the foamer. WAG (water-alternating-gas) ratios and injection sequences were varied and found to have a profound effect upon the foam generation and propagation, with higher WAG ratios (more water) breaking down the foam and washing it out. In some cases, the foam became immobile or very slow-moving, while in other cases, it traveled with the gas front for great distances. Crude oil's presence in the porous media was very detrimental to foaming. For comparison, similar experiments in short Berea sandstone cores without oil failed to produce any evidence of foaming.
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