Chemical Flooding in Kansas

Author: Stan McCool, University of Kansas Center for Research

Venue: Tertiary Oil Recovery Project’s 18th Improved Oil Recovery Conference, Wichita, KS, April 1–2, 2009. http://www.torp.ku.edu/tech_transfer/ior-conference/index.html [external site].

Abstract: The presentation will include the following:

1. Introduction to chemical flooding.
2. Overview of current chemical flooding field projects.
3. Description and status of the NETL-KU project on chemical flooding, “Bridging the Gap between Chemical Flooding and Independent Oil Producers.”

The proposed NETL research project will demonstrate the potential of "next-generation" chemical flooding processes and will provide the design work that is necessary for independent oil producers to make an informed assessment for implementation of a pilot or demonstration project. Laboratory testing is a major focus of the design process, and it will be conducted to design proper chemical formulations for specific oils/reservoirs. Field response to chemical flooding will be determined through reservoir simulations using UTCHEM or alternate simulators. Economics of pilot/demonstration and field applications will be evaluated. Laboratory, simulation, and economic results will be dispersed through technical papers and presentations to independent oil operators. Designs of chemical floods will provide the basis for demonstration projects and a starting point for independent oil operators to implement the new chemical flooding technology. Government-sponsored field projects to demonstrate the benefits of new technologies to independent oil producers will be used to promote and advance the widespread implementation of the technology. Successful field demonstration projects are expected to increase the comfort level of independent operators to consider and implement the technology. The proposed work will provide the designs required for demonstrations of chemical flooding processes. Researchers will support and assist independent operators with field implementation. Recent advances in chemical flooding chemicals and modeling have the potential to help recover vast amounts of residual oil left behind after primary recovery and waterflooding processes. The resource base for chemical flooding has greatly increased due to these recent advances. Oil recovered by chemical flooding can help reduce the US dependence on foreign oil.

Related NETL Project
This presentation is related to the NETL project DE-FG26-08NT0005679, “Bridging the Gap between Chemical Flooding and Independent Oil Producers.” The principle objective of the project is to design efficient chemical formulations for chemical flooding processes that are necessary for independent oil producers to make an informed assessment for implementation of a pilot or demonstration project.

NETL Project Contacts
NETL – Virginia Weyland (virginia.weyland@netl.doe.gov or 281-494-2517)
U. of Kansas – Stan McCool (mccool@ku.edu or 785-864-2914)