Geochemical Modeling with the Use of Vertical and Horizontal Relative Concentrations of Oil Compounds for the Heavy Oil Fields

Abstract

The purpose of this study is the detection of lateral and vertical gradients of relative concentrations of compounds presented in oil. In addition, the detection allows us to assess potential drainage zones in a reservoir during the reservoir production by steam injection. In this paper, a new method for monitoring of steam chamber development in a 2D model was created and tested. The methodology is used to consider the total hydrocarbon fraction. In addition, the total hydrocarbon fraction has been isolated from core extracts and has been analyzed by GCMS method (TIC) for detection of various compounds and assessment of lateral and vertical gradients of their concentration in lateral. It has been found out that the ratio of 4- and 1-methyldibenzothiophenes (MDBT) changes in lateral and in vertical directions. These changes are caused by biodegradation of organic matter. Also laboratory research shows that 1-MDBT/4-MDBT ratio in native reservoir rocks is stable under high temperatures and pressures and this can be easily measured by GC-MS. This measurement will allow assessment of location and direction of steam chamber propagation. In a recent work, the authors have developed a geochemical model which can be used for assessment of oil flow directions during the development of heavy oil fields by SAGD method.

Keywords

• sagd modeling
• biodegradation of oil
• beteroatomic compounds
• isomers
• oil-water transition zone