Recent Advances in Reservoir Stimulation and Enhanced Oil Recovery Technology in Unconventional Reservoirs
1
State Key Laboratory of Shale Oil and Gas Enrichment Mechanisms and Effective Development, Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Development Research Institute, Beijing 100083, China
2
Unconventional Oil and Gas Science and Technology Institute, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
3
School of Petroleum Engineering, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, China
4
Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Processes 2024, 12(1), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12010234
Submission received: 9 January 2024
/
Accepted: 11 January 2024
/
Published: 22 January 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Reservoir Stimulation and EOR Technology in Unconventional Reservoirs)
In the past decade, significant advances in reservoir stimulation and enhanced oil recovery technologies have resulted in rapid production growth in unconventional reservoirs. To further increase and stabilize the production of unconventional reservoirs, researchers continue to develop new technologies and apply them to this field. This Special Issue combines unconventional reservoir stimulation and enhanced oil recovery technologies and the latest research on geology, reservoir, drilling, and completion.
The rapid increase in the production of fossil energy has been made possible by effective reservoir stimulation and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies for unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. As one of the most important reservoir stimulation technologies, hydraulic fracturing usually injects high-pressure fluid to create enough fractures in the target reservoir, which aims to improve the seepage conditions and increase the contact area between the target formation and production well. Such stimulation technologies usually involve complex fluid–solid coupling processes, including fracture initiation, propagation, conductivity, etc.
Enhanced oil recovery has been used to solve the problem of sharply declining oil rates after a production period. In this process, some special chemicals (e.g., surfactants and nano-emulsions) are injected into the reservoir to increase the recovery effectiveness of the residual oil. EOR processes often involve complex physical–chemical processes, including liquid emulsification, water–rock reactions, etc. [1,2,3,4]. Therefore, the progress of reservoir stimulation and EOR technology will contribute to the rapid development of unconventional oil and gas resources. Meanwhile, these technologies are also used to develop geothermal and coal resources [5,6,7,8].
This collection, which accompanies the Special Issue of Processes, emphasizes theory, technology, and application innovation and compiles 35 current publications on original applications of new ideas and methodologies in unconventional oil and gas reservoirs.
Review of Research Presented in This Special Issue
The papers published in this Special Issue describe recent advances in reservoir stimulation and EOR technology in unconventional reservoirs. These studies are divided into four categories.
The first type involves numerical and experimental simulation studies on fracture propagation patterns in unconventional reservoir stimulation techniques. For numerical simulation, Ran et al. systematically investigated the expansion patterns of multi-branch hydraulic fractures using finite element and extended finite element methods [9]. The characteristics of the target reservoir and the expansion patterns of hydraulic fractures under conditions such as formation dip angle, wellbore orientation, fracturing fluid backflow rate, low temperature, stress effects, artificial plugging, interlayer heterogeneity, and the presence of multiple branched horizontal wells were systematically investigated. For experimental studies, the influence of various factors on drag reducer performance was studied. Moreover, utilizing microscopic methods, the drag reduction mechanism of the drag reducer was also investigated. Shi et al. and their colleagues investigated the crack propagation patterns and influencing factors during hydraulic fracturing in four different reservoir types: offshore unconsolidated sandstone, high-salinity reservoirs, gravel formations, and deep shale formations [10].
The second type is acidizing and acid fracturing technology in unconventional reservoir stimulation technology. The acidizing potential for enhanced oil recovery in gravel formations was evaluated by comparing changes in rock porosity, permeability, and rock mechanics before and after acidizing. A novel high-temperature cross-linked acid’s acid corrosion capability and acid-induced fracture conductivity were assessed. The temperature field of acid-rock reactions and the incremental production effects of multistage acidizing processes during acidizing were studied based on theoretical analysis and mathematical model establishment.
The third type involves unconventional oil and gas reservoir-enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies. These EOR technologies include the use of 3D-printed artificial cores for experimental research, the development of salt-resistant displacement polymers, studies on fluid flow behavior in shale oil and gas reservoirs, optimization of gas injection methods in low-permeability heterogeneous gas reservoirs, exploration of post-pressurization water injection development techniques, and technologies aimed at improving recovery rates in heavy oil reservoirs and salt cavern gas storage facilities.
The fourth type involves reservoir, drilling, and completion technologies related to reservoir modification and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In terms of reservoirs, the sedimentary history of the Qiongdongnan Basin in the northern South China Sea and the Yinggehai Basin was investigated. A model for calculating the axial force on the drill string was proposed in drilling, and a simulation study on the rheological properties of lost circulation materials during drilling was performed. Regarding completion, this includes casing safety assessment and case studies on the field application of a novel gas lift valve.
Many academics from various fields, from the natural sciences to engineering, have been researching reservoir stimulation and EOR technology in unconventional reservoirs. New theories and technologies are proposed in this Special Issue, including experimental methods, numerical simulation technology, and pilot cases that can help readers and researchers better understand and be inspired by the cutting-edge technologies in reservoir stimulation and EOR technology in unconventional reservoirs.
Author Contributions
Investigation, L.Z.; writing—original draft preparation, J.W.; writing—review and editing, L.Z., J.W., W.F., M.L., Y.Z. and L.P. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
List of Contributions
- Ran, Q.; Zhou, X.; Dong, J.; Xu, M.; Ren, D.; Li, R. Numerical Simulation of Multi-Fracture Propagation Based on the Extended Finite Element Method. Processes 2023, 11, 2032.
- Cai, J.; Li, F. Estimation of Fracture Height in Tight Reserviors via a Finite Element Approach. Processes 2023, 11, 1566.
- Yang, K.; Wang, L.; Ge, J.; He, J.; Sun, T.; Wang, X.; Zhao, Y. Impact of formation dip angle and wellbore azimuth on fracture propagation for shale reservoir. Processes 2023, 11, 2419.
- Ran, Q.; Zhou, X.; Dong, J.; Xu, M.; Ren, D.; Li, R. Study on the Fracture Propagation in Multi-Horizontal Well Hydraulic Fracturing. Processes 2023, 11, 1995.
- Li, J.; Liu, S.; Li, J.; Liu, Z.; Chen, X.; Li, J.; Liang, T. Evaluation of Fracture Volume and Complexity of Tight Oil Wells Based on Flowback Data. Processes 2023, 11, 2436.
- Cha, M.; Alqahtani, N.B.; Wang, L. Cryogenic Fracture Proliferation from Boreholes under Stresses. Processes 2023, 11, 2028.
- Zou, J.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, L.; Jing, J.; Fu, Y.; Wang, Y.; Zhang, G.; Zhou, F. Numerical Simulation Research on the Effect of Artificial Barrier Properties on Fracture Height. Processes 2023, 11, 310.
- Wan, B.; Liu, Y.; Zhang, B.; Luo, S.; Wei, L.; Li, L.; He, J. Investigation of the Vertical Propagation Pattern of the 3D Hydraulic Fracture under the Influence of Interlayer Heterogeneity. Processes 2022, 10, 2449.
- Zhao, Y.; Wang, L.; Ma, K.; Zhang, F. Numerical Simulation of Hydraulic Fracturing and Penetration Law in Continental Shale Reservoirs. Processes 2022, 10, 2364.
- Zheng, M.; Sheng, L.; Ren, H.; Yiming, A.; Yao, E.; Zhang, K.; Zhao, L. Development and Performance Evaluation of Scale-Inhibiting Fracturing Fluid System. Processes 2022, 10, 2135.
- Liu, Z.; Tian, Z.; Yuan, H.; Li, Y.; Ge, H.; Zhou, F. Effect of Shear Flow on Drag Reducer Performance and Its Microscopic Working Mechanism. Processes 2022, 10, 1485.
- Shi, S.; Zhuo, R.; Cheng, L.; Xiang, Y.; Ma, X.; Wang, T. Fracture Characteristics and Distribution in Slant Core from Conglomerate Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site (CHFTS) in Junggar Basin, Northwest China. Processes 2022, 10, 1646.
- Liu, Y.; Xu, P.; Zhang, L.; Zou, J.; Lan, X.; Sheng, M. Lab Experiments for Abrasive Waterjet Perforation and Fracturing in Offshore Unconsolidated Sandstones. Processes 2023, 11, 3137.
- Hu, Z.; Chen, P.; Jiang, W.; Yang, Y.; Li, Y.; Zou, L.; Wang, H.; Sun, Y.; Peng, Y. Physical Simulation Experiments of Hydraulic Fracture Initiation and Propagation under the Influence of Deep Shale Natural Fractures. Processes 2023, 11, 1934.
- Pan, L.; Wang, L.; Zheng, W.; Han, F.; Zibibula, A.; Zhu, Z.; Li, S. Study on Salt Dissolution Law of High Salinity Reservoir and Its Influence on Fracturing. Processes 2023, 11, 304.
- Wang, L.; Jia, W.; Xu, Y.; Mou, J.; Liao, Z.; Zhang, S. Case Study on the Effect of Acidizing on the Rock Properties of the Mahu Conglomerate Reservoir. Processes 2023, 11, 626.
- Lin, H.; Hou, T.; Wang, F.; Yue, L.; Liu, S.; Yuan, G.; Wang, G.; Liu, Y.; Wang, Q.; Zhou, F. Experimental Study of Acid Etching and Conductivity of High-Temperature-Resistant Cross-Linked Acid. Processes 2023, 11, 722.
- Mou, J.; He, J.; Zheng, H.; Zhang, R.; Zhang, L.; Gao, B. A New Model of Temperature Field Accounting for Acid–Rock Reaction in Acid Fracturing in Shunbei Oilfield. Processes 2023, 11, 294.
- Zhu, D.; Wang, Y.; Cui, M.; Zhou, F.; Wang, Y.; Liang, C.; Zou, H.; Yao, F. Acid system and stimulation efficiency of multistage acid fracturing in porous carbonate reservoirs. Processes 2022, 10, 1883.
- Cruz-Maya, J.A.; Mendoza-de la Cruz, J.L.; Martínez-Mendoza, L.C.; Sánchez-Silva, F.; Rosas-Flores, J.A.; Jan-Roblero, J. Three-Dimensional Printing of Synthetic Core Plugs as an Alternative to Natural Core Plugs: Experimental and Numerical Study. Processes 2023, 11, 2530.
- Li, X.; Xu, A.; Ma, M.; Liu, S.; Ni, J.; Zhao, L. Preparation of Polymer Solution for Profile Control and Displacement Using Wastewater with High Ca2+/Mg2+ and Fe2+ Concentrations. Processes 2023, 11, 325.
- Xu, F.; Jiang, H.; Liu, M.; Jiang, S.; Wang, Y.; Li, J. NMR-Based Analysis of Fluid Occurrence Space and Imbibition Oil Recovery in Gulong Shale. Processes 2023, 11, 1678.
- Lei, Y.; Wu, Z.; Wang, W.; Wu, J.; Ma, B. Study on the Flow Pattern and Transition Criterion of Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in the Annular of Shale Gas Fractured Horizontal Wells. Processes 2022, 10, 2630.
- Luo, J.; Wang, L. Research on Gas Channeling Identification Method for Gas Injection Development in High-Pressure Heterogeneous Reservoir. Processes 2022, 10, 2366.
- Dong, L.; Li, L.; Dong, W.; Wang, M.; Chen, X. Investigation on the Injection Pattern of Intermittent Natural Gas Flooding in Ultra-Low Permeability Reservoirs. Processes 2022, 10, 2198.
- Huang, T.; Peng, K.; Song, W.; Hu, C.; Guo, X. Change Characteristics of Heavy Oil Composition and Rock Properties after Steam Flooding in Heavy Oil Reservoirs. Processes 2023, 11, 315.
- Liao, K.; Zhu, J.; Sun, X.; Zhang, S.; Ren, G. Numerical Investigation on Injected-Fluid Recovery and Production Performance following Hydraulic Fracturing in Shale Oil Wells. Processes 2022, 10, 1749.
- Ren, G.; Ma, X.; Zhang, S.; Zou, Y.; Duan, G.; Xiong, Q. Optimization of Water Injection Strategy before Re-Stimulation Considering Fractures Propagation. Processes 2022, 10, 1538.
- Wang, L.; Song, Z.; Huang, X.; Xu, W.; Chen, Z. Study on the Influence of Pressure Reduction and Chemical Injection on Hydrate Decomposition. Processes 2022, 10, 2543.
- Wu, B.; Zhang, M.; Deng, W.; Que, J.; Liu, W.; Zhou, F.; Wang, Q.; Liang, T. Study and Mechanism Analysis on Dynamic Shrinkage of Bottom Sediments in Salt Cavern Gas Storage. Processes 2022, 10, 1511.
- Ma, M.; Qi, J.; Ma, J.; Peng, H.; Lei, L.; Song, Q.; Zhang, Q.; Bai, M. Cenozoic Subsidence History of the Northern South China Sea: Examples from the Qiongdongnan and Yinggehai Basins. Processes 2023, 11, 956.
- Nie, Z.; Shi, S.; Wu, B.; Huang, X. Axial Force Calculation Model for Completion String with Multiple Point Resistances in Horizontal Well. Processes 2023, 11, 2621.
- Pu, L.; Xu, P.; Xu, M.; Zhou, J.; Liu, Q.; Song, J. Numerical Simulation Study on the Flow Properties of Materials for Plugging While Drilling in MWD. Processes 2022, 10, 1955.
- Wang, H.; Li, M.; Zhao, Q.; Hao, W.; Zhang, H.; Li, Y.; Huang, P.; Zou, Y. Study on Casing Safety Evaluation in High-Temperature Wells with Annular Pressure Buildup. Processes 2023, 11, 1915.
- Liu, Q.; Tang, J.; Ke, W.; Wang, H.; Orivri, U.D. Case Study: Successful Application of a Novel Gas Lift Valve in Low Pressure Wells in Fuling Shale Gas Field. Processes 2022, 11, 19.
References
- Zhang, L.; Zhou, F.; Zhang, S.; Li, Z.; Wang, J.; Wang, Y. Evaluation of permeability damage caused by drilling and fracturing fluids in tight low permeability sandstone reservoirs. J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 2019, 175, 1122–1135. [Google Scholar]
- Su, H.; Zhou, F.; Wang, Q.; Yu, F.; Dong, R.; Xiong, C.; Li, J.; Liang, T. Flow Physics of Polymer Nanospheres and Diluted Microemulsion in Fractured Carbonate Reservoirs: An Investigation into Enhanced Oil Recovery Mechanisms. SPE J. 2021, 26, 2231–2244. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, B.; Zhou, F.; Zou, Y.; Liang, T.; Wang, D.; Hu, J.; Gao, L. Effects of previously created fracture on the initiation and growth of subsequent fracture during TPMSF. Eng. Fract. Mech. 2018, 200, 312–326. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, B.; Zhou, F.; Yang, C.; Xu, C.; Liu, J.; Han, S.; Wang, D.; Ren, Z.; Liang, T. A Novel Experimental Method to Investigate the Plugging Characteristics of Diversion Agents within Hydro-fracture. J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 2019, 183, 106354. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Liang, T.; Xu, K.; Lu, J.; Nguyen, Q.; DiCarlo, D. Evaluating the Performance of Surfactants in Enhancing Flowback and Permeability after Hydraulic Fracturing through a Microfluidic Model. SPE J. 2020, 25, 268–287. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Liang, T.; Zhao, X.; Yuan, S.; Zhu, J.; Liang, X.; Li, X.; Zhou, F. Surfactant-EOR in tight oil reservoirs: Current status and a systematic surfactant screening method with field experiments. J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 2021, 196, 108097. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, D.; Zhou, F.; Ding, W.; Ge, H.; Jia, X.; Shi, Y.; Wang, X.; Yan, X. A numerical simulation study of fracture reorientation with a degradable fiber-diverting agent. J. Nat. Gas Sci. Eng. 2015, 25, 215–225. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Bai, H.; Zhou, F.; Zhang, M.; Gao, X.; Xu, H.; Yao, E.; Wang, J.; Li, Y. Optimization and friction reduction study of a new type of viscoelastic slickwater system. J. Mol. Liq. 2021, 344, 117876. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ran, Q.; Zhou, X.; Dong, J.; Xu, M.; Ren, D.; Li, R. Numerical Simulation of Multi-Fracture Propagation Based on the Extended Finite Element Method. Processes 2023, 11, 2032. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Shi, S.; Zhuo, R.; Cheng, L.; Xiang, Y.; Ma, X.; Wang, T. Fracture Characteristics and Distribution in Slant Core from Conglomerate Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site (CHFTS) in Junggar Basin, Northwest China. Processes 2022, 10, 1646. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. |
© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
MDPI and ACS Style
Zhang, L.; Pan, L.; Zou, Y.; Wang, J.; Li, M.; Feng, W. Recent Advances in Reservoir Stimulation and Enhanced Oil Recovery Technology in Unconventional Reservoirs. Processes 2024, 12, 234. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12010234
AMA Style
Zhang L, Pan L, Zou Y, Wang J, Li M, Feng W. Recent Advances in Reservoir Stimulation and Enhanced Oil Recovery Technology in Unconventional Reservoirs. Processes. 2024; 12(1):234. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12010234
Chicago/Turabian StyleZhang, Lufeng, Linhua Pan, Yushi Zou, Jie Wang, Minghui Li, and Wei Feng. 2024. "Recent Advances in Reservoir Stimulation and Enhanced Oil Recovery Technology in Unconventional Reservoirs" Processes 12, no. 1: 234. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12010234
Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.
