LET IT FLOW – THE POTENTIAL FOR ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY IN SHALE PLAYS
Article, RBN Energy:
Tuesday, 06/07/2016 Published by: Housley Carr
Crude oil prices have rebounded somewhat in recent weeks (and now are hovering near $50/bbl), but cash-hungry shale-play producers remain laser-focused on high-output “sweet spots” that promise quick, sure-fire economic returns.
What if these same producers could get an added, low-cost boost in output—and much-needed revenue—through enhanced oil recovery (EOR)? EOR, which involves injecting or “flooding” seemingly past-their-prime oil wells with steam, carbon dioxide (CO2), natural gas or nitrogen to spur further production, has always been associated with conventional, vertical wells; but as we discuss today, there’s a push under way to make EOR work in horizontal wells too.
1) Shale reservoirs have low recovery factors (<10% recovery), therefore: the need for enhanced recovery;
2) CO2 has been proven successful in EOR – accounting for roughly 50% of tertiary recovery in the US – or 5% of daily US oil production;
3) E&P companies are now changing their EOR focus on shale reservoirs.