Problem Statement
Production from modern shale oil reservoirs is done typically through hydraulic fracturing in horizontal wells. Although this discovery has led to a massive increase in production in areas that were otherwise thought to be unprofitable, there is still an enormous amount of oil left in the reservoirs. It is estimated that oil recovery is less than 10% from shale oil reservoirs. 1 Of that 10%, is it estimated only 1-2% of the reserves are recoverable. With numbers so low, it is incredible that these reservoirs still manage to be profitable. Today, there are currently no enhanced oil recovery techniques in use that are known to the public for producing from these shale reservoirs. Current estimates show that “7.3 billion barrels of [unproduced] oil” (Sayed, Al-Muntasheri, Liang 165) currently exist in tight and oil shale reservoirs in the United States alone. More than 100 billion barrels of unproduced oil exist globally. These numbers accentuate the fact that energy generation from nonrenewable resources is far from over. …show more content…
Using data from actual cores, as well as simulation data should give a broader understanding of the technicality and the viability of CO2 EOR. With the Marcellus shale core, we will create 1 in. x 1 in. x 3 mm tablets. We will then use these tablets to test and observe the mechanisms that occur underground in an actual reservoir. Being that time is a limiting factor, we will expedite the experimental results by using an oven to better simulate reservoir conditions. Unfortunately, we do not have access to pressure variation equipment; however, this will not have as big as an impact since property changes are more dependent on temperature rather than pressure. For our reservoir simulation we will be using CMG with outside data from a relevant shale reservoir. We will best attempt to
Production from modern shale oil reservoirs is done typically through hydraulic fracturing in horizontal wells. Although this discovery has led to a massive increase in production in areas that were otherwise thought to be unprofitable, there is still an enormous amount of oil left in the reservoirs. It is estimated that oil recovery is less than 10% from shale oil reservoirs. 1 Of that 10%, is it estimated only 1-2% of the reserves are recoverable. With numbers so low, it is incredible that these reservoirs still manage to be profitable. Today, there are currently no enhanced oil recovery techniques in use that are known to the public for producing from these shale reservoirs. Current estimates show that “7.3 billion barrels of [unproduced] oil” (Sayed, Al-Muntasheri, Liang 165) currently exist in tight and oil shale reservoirs in the United States alone. More than 100 billion barrels of unproduced oil exist globally. These numbers accentuate the fact that energy generation from nonrenewable resources is far from over. …show more content…
Using data from actual cores, as well as simulation data should give a broader understanding of the technicality and the viability of CO2 EOR. With the Marcellus shale core, we will create 1 in. x 1 in. x 3 mm tablets. We will then use these tablets to test and observe the mechanisms that occur underground in an actual reservoir. Being that time is a limiting factor, we will expedite the experimental results by using an oven to better simulate reservoir conditions. Unfortunately, we do not have access to pressure variation equipment; however, this will not have as big as an impact since property changes are more dependent on temperature rather than pressure. For our reservoir simulation we will be using CMG with outside data from a relevant shale reservoir. We will best attempt to