Abstract
The objective of this paper is to identify the EOR potential of the Ecuadorian Amazon Region also known as Oriente Basin. The EOR methods are grouped into three: gas injection, enhanced waterflooding, and thermal. 150 oilfields and 410 reservoirs were studied as part of this work.
This study first evaluates the type of EOR method applicable to the oilfields located in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region, also known as screening. The EOR methods evaluated were:
Nitrogen injection
CO2 injection
Hydrocarbon injection
Immiscible injection
Polymer flood
SP / ASP injection
Steam injection, and
Combustion in situ
The reservoirs analyzed for all 150 oilfields were:
Basal Tena
Napo M-1 Sand
Napo M-2 Sand
Napo U Upper, Middle, and Lower
Napo T Sand
Hollin
The necessary inputs or reservoir data for this evaluation came from the Petroleum Information Databank or BIPE, a project from Secretariat of Hydrocarbons of Ecuador (SHE).
The evaluation is not detailed since the objective of this study is to provide a first guide of the theoretical potential of EOR methods in Ecuador. Those fields with more potential than others can go for further details. Due to the reservoir characteristics in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region, the most applicable EOR methods are immiscible gas followed by chemicals (Polymers and surfactants). Additional analyses should be done in order to identify the effects of the waterdrive mechanism in most of the oilfields. The CO2 miscible flood could work, but there are no near natural or anthropogenic sources. The results of this study do not cover either the economic-finance or the legal issues that can affect the implementation of the EOR technology. A second stage of a similar study should evaluate these aspects.
This study is the first work available to public based on data provided by official sources of the Ecuadorian Government. This study can be used for industry, government, and academy as guide for developing or modifying current hydrocarbon legislation.
