Influence of oil saturation distribution along the horizontal section of the injection well on production performance in thermal stimulation projects

Authors: R.S. Khisamov (Tatneft OAO), I.M.Bakirov, R.Kh. Nizaev, G.V. Aleksandrov, A.I. Arzamastsev (TatNIPIneft)

STARS reservoir simulator has been used to evaluate injection of heat transfer agent into formations characterized by non-uniform water saturation along horizontal wellbore. The simulation has shown that injection of heat transfer agent into formations with higher water saturation results in more rapid heat front propagation. This leads to increased reduction of oil viscosity and, consequently, higher production rates at the earlier stage of field development.