METHODOLOGY

1.1 Procedures using CMG 2015 STARS Simulator

1.1.1 Component definition
The STARS base case has already consist of surfactant and polymer in the injected fluid. In order
to add alkaline to it as the third component, the chemical needed to be input manually through
the component definition that appears on the Component definition tab of the Component and
phase properties dialog. To launch the dialog, select ComponentsAdd/edit components
menu. Alternatively, click the Components button on the main tree view. Left double-click any
node to bring up the dialog. The Component definition tab displays the component/phase table
along with pure component properties. For alkali, sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) because it is
known as the best alkaline for chemical EOR. It interacts with the rock but is has much less side
effects like precipitations. The MW for Na2CO3, 105.988 lb/lbmole is input into the
components definition.

Figure 1 Alkaline component definition

The liquid phase viscosity can be entered for each fluid initialized in the component and phase
properties.

Figure 2 Viscosity input for the injected fluid

In the model, there are a total of 4 producers and 1 injector with simulation dates running from
1976 to 1990 (approximately 15 years).

Figure 3 Well placement

The order of carrying out ASP flooding in a particular reservoir usually starts with water flooding
to pre-flush the ions and charges in the reservoir fluid. Subsequently, ASP is injected for 3 years
from 1976 to 1979. This is done to ensure maximum sweep recovery due to significant decrease
in IFT between the reservoir fluid and injected fluid. The process is followed by injecting
polymer to increase the displacing fluid viscosity to reduce the residual oil saturation in the
reservoir and to aid in the ASP flooding process. The ASP flooding is concluded by flushing back
the reservoir with water flooding.

Figure 4 First order water injected mole fraction input

Figure 5 First order ASP flooding mole fraction input

Figure 6 Second order ASP flooding mole fraction input

Figure 7 Polymer flooding mole fraction input

Figure 8 Second order water injection mole fraction input

For sensitivity analysis cases, the parameters identified that have significant effects on oil
production are surfactant concentration, polymer concentration, alkaline concentration,
surfactant adsorption and reservoir temperature. Those parameters can be varied by revising the
mole fraction accordingly as well as changing the input data at the Rock-Fluid Components
section. Further discussion and results from the CMG STARS simulator will be explained
afterwards.